The Value of Investing in Canadian Downtowns - International ...

Public Realm
Downtown Saskatoon's main streets are some of its most important
strengths. It hosts a number of attractive, pedestrian friendly blocks
with ample tree cover, interesting and active building frontages, and
street furniture. The downtown streetscape has received dramatic,
ongoing improvements thanks to a progressive financing
arrangement between the City and the downtown Business
Improvement District, whereby a substantial portion of downtown
parking meter revenues are earmarked for targeted street
improvements. The first of such improvements were directed to 21st
Street, connecting the landmark Bessborough Hotel and the Midtown
Plaza shopping centre, in 1989, with wider sidewalks, improved street
furniture, pedestrian-friendly lighting, and new greenery.
Improvements to 3rd Avenue and 25th Street are underway, featuring
high quality design elements intended to enhance heritage character,
as well as works of public art. The entire downtown has benefited
from Saskatoon's designation, in 2006, as one of the cultural capitals
of Canada, with new works of public art like the Prairie Wind
landmark at the foot of 2nd Avenue near the river.
The green ribbon of park along the riverbank is also one of the
downtown’s most critical assets. Many Saskatonians enjoy the
downtown waterfront, even if they are otherwise disinclined to go
downtown. The Meewasin Valley Trail hugs the green space between
the riverbank and the the edge of the downtown and connects to
Kinsmen Park (just north of the core). Improvements and extensions
of the Spadina Promenade have also greatly increased the
accessibility to the Meewasin Valley Trail and the riverbank park
system. Moreover, a wide range of recreational facilities are being
developed at River Landing.
Above: Prairie Wind Landmark
Above: Exercising class at River Landing
Connectivity
While the public realm is becoming increasingly attractive and legible for pedestrians, the downtown remains
automobile dependent. Registered motor vehicles outnumber people in Saskatoon. 7 Interviewees also commented
on increasing levels of congestion in the downtown, given the ongoing expansion of the City as well as through traffic
from outside the City. While increased commuting times are frustrating, it may be more and more a fact of life in
Saskatoon, as the population continues to grow. In the coming years, it will be important that in addition to the
proposed Perimeter Highway, the City considers alternative modes of transportation to shoulder the increasing
http://www.featurepics.com/online/Prairie-Wind-Landmark-
1820632.aspx
number of new residents and commuters that are attracted to the prosperity, opportunities and lifestyle that
Saskatoon is offering.
http://www.thestarphoenix.com/entertainment/celebrity/season+b
eauty+beast/2951696/Photos+Week+Photos+Sept/5390173/story
.html
7
Hutton, D. (2010). More Cars Than People In Saskatoon. Retrieved from
http://www.globalsaskatoon.com/More+cars+than+people+Saskatoon/3562271/story.html. Accessed 2012 January 16.
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