Saskatoon Unveils Urgent Downtown Renewal Plan to Deter Crime

UPDATE: In a bold move to combat crime, Saskatoon officials have just announced a comprehensive plan to revitalize the downtown area through targeted community projects. This initiative, which was presented at Wednesday’s planning, development, and community services committee meeting, aims to enhance safety and deter criminal activity.

The proposed projects, which are currently unfunded, could transform underused spaces into vibrant community hubs. Suggested improvements include new park spaces, street renewals along 23rd Street and Idylwyld, a permanent outdoor festival area, public washrooms, and expanded public Wi-Fi access. The city administration emphasizes that these are long-term goals, with an implementation plan expected to be discussed during the upcoming November 25-27, 2023 budget deliberations.

City officials stress the importance of creating “natural surveillance” in urban spaces, effectively putting “eyes on the street” to discourage potential criminal behavior. The report indicates that revitalizing these areas could significantly improve residents’ sense of security, a critical issue for the community.

Randy Pshebylo, representing the Riversdale Business Improvement District, urged for inclusion of Riversdale in the city’s implementation plan. Highlighting Idylwyld Drive as a key entry point to downtown, he expressed the need for similar safety improvements in that area. “Let’s do that today,” he urged, pointing out the lack of a comparable project list for Riversdale.

Coun. Jasmin Parker echoed these concerns, questioning whether there are existing project lists that could serve as references for Riversdale. While no such list exists currently, the city administration remains committed to addressing these safety issues.

Despite the focus on long-term strategies, city officials acknowledged that the proposed projects would not resolve immediate security concerns. Nevertheless, Parker successfully motioned for these initiatives to be included in the budget option report, which aims to prioritize the most impactful projects first.

Mayor Cynthia Block has requested updates on the implementation plan for the upcoming budget discussions. City administration outlined that each project will be evaluated and presented to the city council as part of a prioritized list. Many of the higher-tier projects are expected to take precedence in funding considerations.

Coun. Holly Kelleher raised an important point about enhancing city programs to attract more visitors to parks and public spaces. City administration confirmed that cooperation between the parks, recreation, and programming departments would be essential for maximizing the potential of newly created spaces.

As Saskatoon prepares for the budget discussions next month, residents and stakeholders are keenly awaiting further developments on this critical revitalization plan. The city aims to ensure that these safety-focused projects align with community needs and expectations.

The ongoing push for a safer downtown is not just about city infrastructure; it’s about fostering a sense of community and security for all residents. With the council’s discussions on the horizon, the urgency of addressing safety through urban design has never been clearer.

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