Unless directed otherwise by City Council, Saskatoon will be going ahead with its plan to reconstruct 1st Avenue as a hub for the future Link bus rapid transit system, despite hearing concerns from impacted businesses. 

Plans for the corridor include establishing one northbound and one southbound dedicated transit lane in the centre of the street with adjacent traffic flow, removing 61 parking stalls, and installing a platform in the centre of the street for waiting bus riders.

A lengthy three-hour discussion took place at the transportation committee meeting Tuesday, where councilors learned that numerous downtown businesses are not happy with the proposed $7.5 million plan. 

 Saskatoon NSBA Executive Director Keith Moen says key concerns include the reduction to one lane of traffic, increased travel time, snow removal hardships, and changes to turning movements. 

“This proposal includes removal or modification of key turning movements. For example, impacts to movements from 25th Street East onto 1st Avenue. This reduces ease of navigation and direct access to businesses.” 

Downtown Saskatoon’s Shawna Nelson echoed his remarks, stating that the last thing downtown needs is less parking.

“There was a study that the City did in 2019 in regard to the DEED. It came out to say that we need 1300 spots. So, taking away 61, taking away any, is an issue.”

Another one of many to speak before the committee, Shari Tarasoff, was not in favour  of the proposed $7.5 million plan, stating that all of the City’s plans are not actively being considered together, and the plan was not well thought-out.

“This concept plan today has changed from the approved plan in 2019. Perhaps it needs more changes. Consider the expected growth downtown, proposed event and entertainment district, and a population increase higher than expected. This is the stage that will determine the success of failure of the system.”

Councilors Randy Donauer and Robert Pearce proposed that administration meet with impacted businesses to ensure a way to meet their needs. All recommendations were approved and the matter will be brought before city Council in the coming weeks.