A project which will add a sidewalk where there wasn’t one before, a multi-use pathway and a bikeway is able to go ahead thanks to over $1.6 million in funding from the federal government’s Active Transportation Strategy. The City of Saskatoon is adding over $1 million for the project.

The work will be done on Dudley Street between Dawes Avenue and Spadina Crescent in Saskatoon and the sidewalk will be in the area by Gordie Howe Sports Complex. Mayor Charlie Clark says it adds options for getting around in the area, connecting residential neighbourhoods with employment areas such as the West Industrial Area, and with recreation spaces and Meewasin Trail.

He notes that the City has about 300 kilometres of orphan sidewalks, which are basically areas which have no sidewalks. That’s because when neighbourhoods were built, sometimes the decision was made not to include a sidewalk on certain streets. The goal over time is to add sidewalks where it’s feasible, and as funding allows.
Clark adds that if it wasn’t for the federal funding announced today (Fri), considering how the City is trying to tighten its belt because of budget constraints, they wouldn’t have been able to do this project.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MP for Winnipeg South, Terry Duguid, announced the funding on behalf of the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. Terry Duguid says, “The new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on Dudley Street will make it easier for community members to choose safe, clean and affordable transportation options. Investments like these make our communities better places to live, work and play.”

(in the picture left to right: Mayor Charlie Clark, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Terry Duguid)