'Nothing comes for free': Questions linger for Saskatoon's $1.2B entertainment district

Saskatoon's most expensive infrastructure project is generating plenty of attention and questions a day after the price tag for the downtown arena district was revealed.

Saskatoon's most expensive infrastructure project is generating plenty of attention and questions a day after the price tag for the downtown arena district was revealed.

"We're excited about it, but our Spidey senses are tingling when it comes to costs, for sure," NSBA executive director Keith Moen said Thursday.

After having a chance to review some of the numbers and reports going to city council next week, Moen says the funding plan gives residents a good starting point to understand where the $1.2 billion project is going, but plenty of detailed questions remain.

The usual staunch critic of city spending commended administration for exploring a variety of ways to generate revenue that won't draw on property tax. But Moen says you're likely footing the bill, one way or another.

"There will be costs associated with it that people will be having to pay because nothing comes for free. We know that, we understand that," he said.

While Moen wasn't surprised by the price tag, Ward 1 Coun. Darren Hill was caught off guard by the cost.

"That's a really large number," Hill said. "I wasn't expecting it to be quite that much. I hadn't factored in all of the additional groundwork and infrastructure work that would be required."