Two of Saskatoon’s business associations raise red flags over certain BRT blueprints

Two Saskatoon businesses associations are raising concerns about the City’s proposed changes to 1st Avenue, as well as the data the City used to support said changes.

Standing near 1st Avenue, the corridor where all three future Bus rapid Transit lines will converge, Executive Director of Downtown Saskatoon Shawna Nelson explained to onlookers that as part of the structural changes, the street will be taken down to only one lane of regular traffic each way, with two transit-only lanes, a bus platform in the middle, and 61 fewer on-street parking spots to make room for it all.

Nelson explained that such a bustling area can’t afford to lose 61 spots, even though the City suggested it would be feasible.

“The (parking removal feasibility) survey that they conducted said that there is more than an abundant amount of parking downtown. When we dug deeper to take a look at the survey. The survey was done in August on a Wednesday and a Saturday.” Nelson explains that many residents, and even some business owners, are away on summer holidays in August, prompting her to question to validity of the survey’s results.

She says a different City survey suggested the majority of respondents wished to keep the median on 2nd Avenue that prevents west and northbound drivers from accessing certain businesses on 21st Street. Upon further investigation, that ‘majority’ was comprised of just ten people.

“This is why we’re raising awareness. You have to ask the questions, and you have to dig deeper. This will affect hundreds of businesses in our downtown in regard to (consumers) not being able to get into our district.”

NSBA Executive Director Keith Moen chimed in, stating that they support the future of transit, but not when it impacts accessibility, safety, parking, and snow removal in one of Saskatoon’s busiest areas.

“We’re not here to oppose transit improvements. We’re here to ensure that the voices of the business community that are being impacted the most are being heard based on clear analysis and meaningful consultation.” He adds that many engagement sessions are held in during business hours, when owners and staff are unable to step away from their shops. “The success of connecting with those businesses has been minimal.”

They call on both the public to always dig deeper when it comes to potentially detrimental changes and the city to reconsider these impactful alterations.

In response, Saskatoon’s General Manager of Transportation and Construction Division Terry Schmidt says “The Link (BRT) design team has been aware of the concerns raised today by the North Saskatoon Business Association and the Downtown Business Improvement District. We have been working with these organizations throughout the design process including multiple meetings and engagements. Work is currently underway on a design report that is scheduled for the April meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation. The Link design team will certainly continue to meet and work with the NSBA and Downtown BID as we move toward finalizing the concept design for committee and Council consideration next month.”