It has been a long 14 months since the pandemic began, but with the provincial government’s announcement of the gradual re-opening of the economy, businesses and organizations are feeling some optimism heading into the summer months. That’s according to the executive director of Downtown Saskatoon, Brent Penner, who says with vaccines now available and the warmer weather, it’s an opportune time to support and celebrate the resiliency of local businesses, many of which have had to lay off staff.

With very little travel, tourism has been greatly impact and there has been a significant impact downtown with many people working from home, meaning they aren’t around to support the restaurants, shops and services. He notes the City of Saskatoon is looking at a return-to-work plan and some of the city’s larger events are looking at dates in August, like the Jazz Festival and The Ex.

The 2nd Avenue Sidewalk Sale will be held July 8th through 10th, mostly virtual just like last year, but Penner suggests there may be an in-person sidewalk sale in August, with the street closed off as it has been in past years.