Saskatoon City Council to Discuss Cycling Infrastructure, 30 km/h Bikeways, Parking Minimums
Saskatoon city council is preparing to make significant changes to the city’s infrastructure and zoning regulations, which could have an impact on federal funding. The council will convene on Wednesday to consider several projects, including the Connecting Avenue C: Walking and Cycling Improvement Project.
The Connecting Avenue C project has been in development since 2022 and is based on the council’s approval of the Active Transportation Plan in 2016. This plan aims to enhance transportation options throughout the city, with a specific focus on developing a comprehensive and connected bicycle network that caters to individuals of all ages and abilities.
Conceptual designs for walking and cycling improvements on Avenue C, spanning from Spadina Crescent West to 45th Street West, have already been drawn up. In October 2023, the Avenue C bike infrastructure ranked as the sixth priority on the city’s infrastructure list. Now, the project awaits council approval.
The proposed project is divided into three phases and includes a range of additions and changes for different areas. Some of these modifications include neighbourhood bikeway designations, protected bike lanes, curb extensions, shared pathways, and widened bike lanes. City administration recommends that the functional design report for the project be approved.
However, there are critics of the plan. Keith Moen, the executive director of the North Saskatoon Business Association, voiced concerns about the proposed path’s potential risks due to traffic congestion along Avenue C north of Circle Drive. Moen questioned the decision to introduce cyclists to this problematic area and criticized the estimated total cost of approximately $8.8 million.
In addition to the Connecting Avenue C project, city administration also recommends the approval of a policy that would reduce the speed limit for motor vehicles to 30 km/h in areas designated as neighbourhood bikeways. Presently, four neighbourhood bikeways are being established. Advocates for the speed limit reduction, such as James Arnold, a board member of Saskatoon Cycles, believe that implementing slower speeds will significantly improve the safety of cyclists.
The design for the neighbourhood bikeways incorporates signage, pavement markings, and traffic calming measures to ensure optimal safety for both cyclists and motorists.
In May, the council voted in support of a federal housing accelerator fund action plan. This plan aims to expedite the creation of more housing while considering affordability, climate change, and community needs. One specific initiative within the action plan is to reduce parking requirements, particularly for affordable housing.
To fulfill the commitments outlined in the action plan and secure federal funding, the council needs to take action and amend zoning bylaws in early 2024. The council will review four options prepared by administration, with the recommendation being the removal of all minimum parking requirements for new housing units. This change would allow the market to dictate the number of parking spots provided, prioritizing flexibility and adaptability.
It is important to note that removing parking minimums does not imply the complete absence of parking. Instead, the decision on how many spots to include in a new development will be based on market demand.
The council will not be considering the most radical alternative, parking maximums, in this report, but it suggests that this option may be considered in the future.
The decisions made during Wednesday’s council meeting will significantly influence the future of cycling infrastructure, bike safety measures, and parking requirements within Saskatoon. Not only do these projects represent important steps towards achieving a more connected and sustainable city, but they also have the potential to secure crucial federal funding.
