Circle Drive South bridge needs a name

The name on the sign for the new bridge on Circle Drive is currently empty as the city decides what to call it.

Saskatoon’s newest bridge needs a new name.

The bridge is part of one the biggest projects in Saskatoon history, and the city wants a name deserving of the project.

One local history buff has a suggestion – the city manager of 100 years ago, Christopher Yorath. Yorath drew up the very first “plan for greater Saskatoon” with a vision of an “encircling boulevard” that turned into Circle Drive today. The plan also included a bridge in the exact spot it’s being built today.

“Saskatoon has grown to meet a lot of his early predictions and expectations and I think that kind of vision of Saskatoon is something that should be celebrated,” said Jo Nanson.

Yorath has been honoured before. He has a street named after him, and an island in the South Saskatchewan River.

“For something that’s as important as this bridge, we waited a hundred years to get this bridge, I’d like to see it be someone pretty significant to the city who made a huge difference,” said Coun. Troy Davies, who’s sitting on the naming committee.

Yorath will be one of many names considered by the naming committee.

The only other river crossing named locally is the Senator Sid Buckwold Bridge, after a former mayor. There has been buzz about Saskatoon’s current mayor, and Davies said he’d put Atchsion’s name forward.

The naming committee meets on Thursday to discuss all the possibilities.