Saskatoon committee opts to defer bench debate until September 2027

A Saskatoon committee has opted to postpone a decision on removing park benches in the downtown area until September 2027. The proposal, put forward by the Downtown Business Improvement District, suggested removing approximately six percent of the total downtown benches from specific 'chronic hot spot' locations.

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It’s a short-term solution to a big, massive, long-term problem.

Business owners supporting the plan believe that removing benches from these areas could help mitigate issues related to social disorder and vandalism. Sara Wheelwright, chair of Downtown Saskatoon, noted that some businesses have reported incidents like fights and property damage occurring near benches in the evenings. The idea was pitched as a pilot project to assess the impact on public safety over one year.

However, the proposal faced criticism, with some arguing that it would merely displace the problems to other parts of the city rather than addressing the root causes of social disorder. Wheelwright acknowledged these concerns, suggesting that displaced individuals might find refuge in spaces offering support. The committee ultimately decided to defer the decision to allow for further consultation with police and businesses.

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There are people in restaurants that can tell you, on an evening, on the benches outside, there’s fights happening, there are things getting thrown at windows. And it’s really around those key locations.

The committee's decision reflects a desire to explore the issue more thoroughly before implementing any changes. The deferral until September 2027 provides a significant window for dialogue and data collection, aiming for a more comprehensive solution to the complex challenges facing the downtown area.

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That different place might be a place set up for people to be safe, and cared for.