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Proposed changes to Millar Avenue to improve accessibility could hurt businesses
🇨🇦 Canada /Environment & Climate

Proposed changes to Millar Avenue to improve accessibility could hurt businesses

From Global News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The City of Saskatoon plans to convert space on Millar Avenue into multi-use pathways and green areas, impacting local businesses.
  • Business owners express concern that the nine-meter-wide walkways will eliminate parking and negatively affect their operations.
  • While Saskatoon Cycles supports the green space, some businesses are seeking a more practical approach to accessibility improvements.

Proposed changes to Millar Avenue in Saskatoon aim to enhance safety and accessibility with new multi-use pathways and green spaces, but local businesses fear significant disruption. The city plans to dedicate nine meters of space for walkways and greenery, which will eliminate some existing parking lots.

I would have to either move the business or change how we function in the business.

— Jae MalinowskiMalinowski, owner of Faithfull Tirecraft, expressed concern about the potential impact of the proposed changes on his business.

Business owners like Jae Malinowski of Faithfull Tirecraft are worried about the impact. "I would have to either move the business or change how we function in the business," Malinowski stated. Curtis Kimpton, chair of the North Saskatoon Business Association, noted that Millar Avenue is a major business district but sees few pedestrians or cyclists, questioning the necessity of such extensive pathways.

Conversely, Gord Holtslander, former chair of Saskatoon Cycles, used an analogy to support the development, suggesting that infrastructure should be built even if current usage is low, similar to building a bridge before many people cross a river. Saskatoon Cycles supports the inclusion of green space and trusts that the city and businesses can find solutions.

So be honest with me, how many bikes do you see down this street or how many people do you see down the street walking? and they’re like ‘One bike a week and maybe a person a day,'

— Curtis KimptonKimpton, chair of the North Saskatoon Business Association, questioned the need for extensive pathways based on current low foot and bike traffic.

Some businesses are requesting a more balanced approach, acknowledging the need for accessibility but questioning the $30 million cost for pathways across three corridors. "We're not saying, 'Scrap it.' We're saying, let's be smart about it and how we can proceed in a good way for our community," Kimpton said.

Why would we build a bridge, nobody is walking across the river. OK, well … no…. transit goes there.

— Gord HoltslanderHoltslander, former chair of Saskatoon Cycles, used an analogy to argue for building infrastructure even if current usage is low.

The city council deferred the plan at a recent transportation meeting to allow for further discussion with impacted businesses. While the NSBA applauds this step, Malinowski described past communications as a "take it or leave it" situation. The city is expected to revisit the plans in the coming months.

Millar is going to get done in some way and we will be glad when it is.

— Saskatoon CyclesThe cycling advocacy group expressed optimism about the eventual completion of the Millar Avenue project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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