'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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.