'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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.