A spokesperson for Inclusion Saskatchewan told Saskatoon’s City Council yesterday (Wed) when commenting about accessible parking and sidewalks in front of the new downtown library that, “It’s 2023 and we all know better so please let’s get this done the right way.”

The Saskatoon Public Library approached the City about streetscaping to include some wheelchair accessible parking and a place forAccess Transit and school buses to offload passengers at the corner of 24th Street and 2nd Avenue.  Christina Martens-Funk told Council members she often has to call ahead about parking and accessibility when going somewhere downtown and there aren’t enough accessible parking options. A motion was passed to approve a redesign study for the corner of 2nd and 24th Street adjacent to the new Central Library, but the study will be paid for by the Saskatoon Public Library with an estimated cost of $175,000.

Three Councilors voted against the motion – Randy Donauer, Troy Davies and Bev Dubois. Their reasoning was similar. With a Downtown Plan expected next year, accessibility would be included in that plan, rather than just at this one site. Donauer said, “I think if we ask the speakers, do you want accessibility just at this one site or do you want accessibility all through downtown, they are going to say we want accessibility everywhere.

Mayor Charlie Clark commented that he believes it’s essential that Council make the right decisions to set the new downtown library up for success, because it will be a public facility and gathering place for the community for many generations.