'A step backward': City opens survey for public feedback on future of Scarth Street pedestrian mall
The City of Regina has opened a survey for the public to provide their feedback on the future of the Scarth Street mall.
Sewer and water pipes under the path on Scarth Street between 11th and 12th Avenue are being replaced this summer as part of the city’s downtown revitalization plan.
There are three scenarios regarding traffic access presented by the city including allowing full, one-way traffic on the street.
Pedestrians who spoke to CTV News said they do not want the mall open to vehicles.
“I think it would make the downtown less interesting,” said one man who eats his lunch in the space most days. “It would be just another street.”
“I like it the way it is,” he said.
Another possibility is the mall could become a shared pedestrian-vehicle space, similar to Pat Fiacco Plaza.
“I would be open to it if I could trust the city to do it right,” said another Regina resident. “Past projects, like the plaza, is interpreted by drivers to be driving lane.”
“That encourages faster speeds and impatience. People are constantly honked at for walking on the plaza,” he said.
(Donovan Maess/CTV News)
The mall area has been closed to vehicular traffic since 1975.
Small businesses operating in the pedestrian mall seemed to be split on allowing vehicle access.
“This will be a step backward,” said The Book End Ltd. president Damodar Anant.
The Book End has been operating in the pedestrian mall since 1978.
“It was meant to bring people downtown,” Anant said. “We are completely opposed to changes.”
Next door at the Salon Snax, some openness to vehicles.
“It used to be drive-thru,” said Greg Olenick. “We have nothing really lose and perhaps everything to gain.”
Salon Snax has been open in the mall since 1980.
“We can bring back the downtown, where people pull up to their favourite store or block and do their shopping,” Olenick said.
The survey is open to the public until June 10.
The city will also hold in-person information at the Regina Farmer’s Market on June 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW For their protection, immigrants critical of China and India call for speedy passage of Canada's foreign interference legislation
Canadian immigrants threatened by hostile regimes are urging parliamentarians to quickly pass the 'Countering Foreign Interference Act' so they can feel safe living in their adopted home.
OPINION No reunion between Prince Harry and the King signifies a setback for royal unity
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
How Drake and Kendrick Lamar's rap beef escalated within weeks
A long-simmering feud between hip-hop superstars Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in recent days as the pair traded increasingly personal insults on a succession of diss tracks. Here’s a quick overview of what’s behind the ongoing beef.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Northern Ont. woman makes 'eggstraordinary' find
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America announced after 114 years that it will change its name and will become Scouting America in an effort to emphasize inclusion as it works to move past the turmoil of bankruptcy and a flood of sexual abuse claims.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.