Saskatoon’s approved First Avenue bus plans may ‘negatively impact’ businesses, says advocates

CANADA Saskatoon’s approved First Avenue bus plans may ‘negatively impact’ businesses, says advocates By Vanessa Tiberio Global News Posted September 25, 2026 6:35 pm 5 min read WATCH: Business leaders in Saskatoon say they had wished for a different outcome on City Council's recently-approved bus lane design on 1st Avenue, which may cause some businesses to rethink their futures on the downtown road. LEAVE A COMMENT SHARE THIS ITEM ON FACEBOOK SHARE THIS ITEM ON X SEND THIS PAGE TO SOMEONE VIA EMAIL SEE MORE SHARING OPTIONS DESCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE INCREASE ARTICLE FONT SIZE Business leaders in Saskatoon say they were hoping for a different outcome with city council’s recently approved bus lane design on 1st Avenue, which may prompt some businesses to rethink their future on the downtown road. City councillors voted 7-4 on Wednesday on the future design of a stretch of 1st Avenue between 19th and 25th streets, following five months of consultation with business owners and accessibility leaders. In April, city councillors deferred their final decision on the roadway’s design, asking city administrators to engage with businesses and accessibility advocates impacted by the suggested changes. Councillors ultimately voted through the first design option, which is a slightly modified version of what was recommended to them back in April. The project will eliminate 59 parking spots and place bus stations in the middle of the street. It will also change lane designations for some motorists along certain stretches of the road. STORY CONTINUES BELOW ADVERTISEMENT Administrators recommended this design to councillors during the meeting, saying that a slight lane modification on 24th Street from the previous iteration improves travel times and does not alter plans enough to require a return to the drawing board with their federal funding partners. Before pushing the option through, councillors reflected on feeling satisfied to finally have a design locked in. But not everyone in the business community shares those sentiments. “There are businesses that have been in business downtown for decades that feel that this may actually be something that may negatively impact them and their ability to continue,” said Shawna Nelson, executive director of Saskatoon’s downtown business improvement district. On the table were two other options that were designed with business feedback in mind to protect on-street parking and curb space in front of stores. Get…