Willowgrove, Saskatoon

Willowgrove is a primarily residential neighbourhood located in the eastside of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. It comprises a mix of mainly single-family detached houses and fewer multiple-unit dwellings. As of 2011, the area is home to 3,973 residents. The neighbourhood is considered a middle to high-income area, with an average family income of $96,002, an average dwelling value of $218,357 and a home ownership rate of 84.8%.[1][2]

Willowgrove
Willowgrove entrance sign
Willowgrove entrance sign
Willowgrove location map
Willowgrove location map
Coordinates: 52°8′56″N 106°33′19″W / 52.14889°N 106.55528°W / 52.14889; -106.55528
Country Canada
Province Saskatchewan
CitySaskatoon
Suburban Development AreaUniversity Heights
NeighbourhoodWillowgrove
Annexed1975-1984
Construction2004-2017
Government
 • TypeMunicipal (Ward 10)
 • Administrative bodySaskatoon City Council
 • CouncillorZach Jeffries
 • Member of LegislatureKen Cheveldayoff
 • Member of ParliamentCorey Tochor
Area
 • Total2.114 km2 (0.816 sq mi)
Population
 (2022)
 • Total5’635
 • Average Income
$96,002
Time zoneUTC-6 (UTC)
Websitewuhca.ca

History edit

The land for Willowgrove was annexed between 1975 and 1984.[2] Residential construction did not start until 2004.[3] The housing stock is mostly composed of single-family detached houses, as well as some multiple-unit condominiums.[1]

Willowgrove was planned as a neighbourhood that centered on a village square. It incorporates features from older neighbourhoods (e.g. Nutana) such as narrow, long lots and back lanes. A system of linear parks connects the various parts of the neighbourhood with green spaces, and provides pedestrian linkages. The village square, still under construction at present, will feature limited commercial development as well as higher density residential housing.[4] The urban design of Willowgrove reflect some of the concepts of New Urbanism and the urban village.

As with most Saskatoon neighbourhoods, street names honour various notables in the city's history. A number of names previously assigned to streets in Marquis Industrial prior to a reconfiguration of that region, were reassigned to streets in Willowgrove, such as Thode, Van Impe and Greaves.

Government and politics edit

Willowgrove exists within the federal electoral district of Saskatoon—University. It is currently represented by Corey Tochor of the Conservative Party of Canada, first elected in 2019.[5]

Provincially, the area is within the constituency of Saskatoon Willowgrove. It is currently represented by Ken Cheveldayoff of the Saskatchewan Party, first elected in 2003.[6]

In Saskatoon's non-partisan municipal politics, Willowgrove lies within ward 10. It is currently represented by Zach Jeffries, first elected in 2012.[7]

Institutions edit

Education edit

Holy Family Catholic School
 
Location
 
815 Stensrud Road

, ,
S7W 0M9

Information
TypeElementary
Religious affiliation(s)Catholic
Opened2015 (2015)
School boardGreater Saskatoon Catholic Schools
PrincipalLeanne McGettigan
GradesKindergarten to Grade 8
Enrollment506[8] (2017)
Education systemSeparate
LanguageEnglish
Feeder toSt. Joseph High School
WebsiteHoly Family School
Willowgrove School
 
Location
 
805 Stensrud Road

, ,
S7W 0M9

Information
TypeElementary
Opened2015 (2015)
School boardSaskatoon Public School Division
PrincipalShane Armstrong
GradesKindergarten to Grade 8
Enrollment612[8] (2017)
Education systemPublic
LanguageEnglish
Feeder toCentennial Collegiate
WebsiteWillowgrove School

Planning to build schools in Willowgrove began in 2007.[9] Land was allocated for the construction of schools and a multi-use community centre at the corner of Willowgrove Boulevard and Stensrud Road.[10] On March 18, 2010, the provincial government announced funding for the construction of a joint public/separate school building.[11] Construction began in April 2013 and was completed behind schedule in March 2015.[12][13][14][15]

Parks and recreation edit

 
William Sarjeant Park
  • Wallace Park 11.6 acres (4.7 ha)
  • Kusch Park 2.7 acres (1.1 ha)
  • Foster Park 2.3 acres (0.93 ha)
  • John Duerkop Park 1.7 acres (0.69 ha)
  • Varley Park 1.4 acres (0.57 ha)
  • William Sarjeant Park 0.9 acres (0.36 ha)
  • Rouillard Park 0.8 acres (0.32 ha)
  • Willowgrove Square 0.4 acres (0.16 ha)
  • Genereux Park 0.3 acres (0.12 ha)
  • Kershaw Park 0.3 acres (0.12 ha)

The Willowgrove/University Heights community association works to provide activities to promote quality of life and a sense of community for all residents.[18]

Commercial edit

Willowgrove has limited commercial development centered on its "village square" or home based business. The area's main commercial needs are met by businesses in the neighbouring University Heights Suburban Centre.

Location edit

Willowgrove is located within the University Heights Suburban Development Area and is located at the eastern edge of the city limits. It is bounded by McOrmond Drive to the west, Highway 5 to the south, an arbitrary boundary to the north and Holmwood SDA, Saskatoon (annexed from R.M. of Corman Park) to the east. Roads are laid out in a modern system of local roads and collector roads connecting to the primary arterial road (McOrmond Drive). To the north and east, farmland maintained by the University of Saskatchewan provides greenbelt separation from other current and future neighbourhoods in the region.

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Willowgrove" (PDF). Neighbourhood Profiles. City of Saskatoon. 2012. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  2. ^ a b Populace Spring 2006, vol. 8, City of Saskatoon - City Planning Branch, Spring 2006, p. 5
  3. ^ "Willowgrove Schools Community Facility". City of Saskatoon. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  4. ^ "Willowgrove". City of Saskatoon. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  5. ^ Current Members of Parliament, retrieved 2020-02-20
  6. ^ Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan - Members of the Legislative Assembly, retrieved 2017-04-16
  7. ^ City Councillors - Saskatoon.ca, retrieved 2017-04-16
  8. ^ a b Active List of Saskatchewan Schools/Programs (PDF), Government of Saskatchewan, retrieved 2018-02-10
  9. ^ Martin, Michelle (June 26, 2007). "Willowgrove school gets priority" (PDF). The StarPhoenix. CanWest. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-24. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
  10. ^ "Willowgrove Neighbourhood Map" (PDF). City of Saskatoon. Retrieved 2009-11-27.
  11. ^ French, Janet (March 19, 2010). "Gov't unveils funds for new schools". The StarPhoenix. CanWest. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  12. ^ Warren, Jeremy (2013-04-18). "Saskatoon construction season will not be affected by weather". The StarPhoenix. CanWest. Retrieved 2012-04-19.
  13. ^ French, Janet (2014-05-16). "Opening of Willowgrove and Holy Family schools delayed". The StarPhoenix. Postmedia Network. Retrieved 2014-05-16.
  14. ^ "Schools in Saskatoon's Willowgrove neighbourhood delayed". CBC News. 2014-12-03. Retrieved 2014-12-03.
  15. ^ "Willowgrove School to open March 9, officials say". CBC News. 2015-02-27. Retrieved 2015-02-27.
  16. ^ "Holy Family Catholic School". Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Retrieved 2015-07-03.
  17. ^ "Willowgrove School". Saskatoon Public School Division. Retrieved 2015-07-01.
  18. ^ "Willowgrove/University Heights Community Association". City of Saskatoon. Retrieved 2009-11-27.

External links edit