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Plans for Saskatoon’s Bus Rapid Transit project is sparking concern from business leaders who say the changes could impact local shops and restaurants.
The proposed redesign for the project, also known as Link, includes significant changes on 1st Avenue between 20th Street East and 25th Street East. These changes include the reduction of traffic to one lane in each direction and adding dedicated centre lanes for rapid transit buses.
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An artist’s rendering of the proposed Link system changes for 1st Avenue. (City of Saskatoon website)
Shawna Nelson, executive director of the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District (BID), said turning 1st Avenue into one lane each way could divert people from accessing businesses or steer them away from the area during busy hours.
Nelson noted the redesign would also remove approximately 61 street parking stalls. She pointed to a survey conducted by the city which she says does not reflect the reality shoppers and businesses face.
“The survey that they did said that there’s more than an abundant amount of parking downtown,” Nelson said, noting it was done in August during a time when businesses are typically slower.
“Where was the survey on a Wednesday in November? We have a lot of people that are coming down for business or shoppers that are coming down for business.”
Nelson said while the BID supports modern and efficient systems that help Saskatoon grow, she believes major infrastructure projects should balance the needs of transit users with the needs of businesses and customers.
From left: Executive director of the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District, Shawna Nelson, and executive director of Saskatoon’s Business Association, Keith Moen, spoke about business concerns with Link on march 17, 2026. (Mia Holowaychuk/650 CKOM)
Keith Moen, executive director of Saskatoon’s Business Association (NSBA), echoed Nelson’s statements, stating that meaningful engagement with businesses is critical for the transit design to be successful.
“Changes to the traffic flow have a real economic impact on businesses operating in this area, and many of the concerns that we are raising today come directly from those businesses,” he said.
Moen said the NSBA raised concerns over Saskatoon’s pilot project for downtown bike lanes stating the design was “problematic from the start,” and explained he wants the voices of Saskatoon business owners to be heard to avoid a similar outcome.
A statement from the city’s general manager of transportation and construction Terry Schmidt says the design team is aware of concerns raised by the business organizations.
“We have been working with these organizations throughout the design process, including multiple meetings and engagements,” the statement said.
“The Link design team will certainly continue to meet and work with the NSBA and Downtown BID as we move toward finalizing the concept design for committee and council consideration next month.”
A design report is scheduled for presentation at the the April meeting of the Standing Policy Committee on Transportation.
between 20th Street East and 25th Street East. These changes include the reduction of traffic to one lane in each direction and adding dedicated centre lanes for rapid transit buses.
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