A new policy will be drafted by city administration that would make it easier to close city walkways that residents express concerns over.

Councillor Randy Donauer says he gets regular complaints regarding vandalism, graffiti, homeowners receiving threats, and even fires being lit from the walkways. Donauer says this is something he’s been dealing with his entire time on council, and says the walkways are a magnet for crime. The walkways in question are ones that split between houses and join neighbourhoods to things like parks or school fields. Donauer says residents are experiencing crime and threat and the city isn’t taking ownership for an amenity that is effecting people’s lives.

Resident reported feeling like petitioning the city to close a walkway was nearly impossible, which was one of the reasons Donauer recommended the policy to make it easier. City council also motioned for administration to report back on additional levels of service for walkways including graffiti removal, lighting and maintenance.

According to the City of Saskatoon’s website, currently to close a walkway these conditions need to be met:
The walkway will be considered for closure if:

At least one adjacent property owner is willing to purchase the land; and
All fees and land costs are paid by the application(s) prior to a public hearing;
The application fee for each adjacent property owner shall be $2,000;
The land cost for each adjacent property owner shall be $2,000;
All costs over and above the application fees and land costs stated above will be paid by the City of Saskatoon except for the cost of utility relocations, which will be the responsibility of the applicants;
Walkway applications must be received in writing and signed by all adjacent property owners indicating reasons for closure.
Walkways serving as part of the storm water management system will not be considered for closure unless suitable arrangements can be made for the adequate provision of this service.
If a walkway meets the guidelines above, but the adjacent property owners are not willing to purchase the lane (at least one property owner per parcel), there will be a three-year waiting period for another application.