Are downtowns and city centres dying?

Downtown, what works, what doesn't?
We are going to spend a lot of time in the Queen City, but really this conversation applies to all downtowns. There's been a lot of debate over opening the Scarth Street walking mall in Regina to traffic.
Every decision affects whether or not you want to go downtown.
What takes you downtown -- and if you don't go - what would it take to get you there?
Join the conversation in the comments or email us at [e-mail]

[@Mdyck69]

There seems to be a narrative around downtowns being the economic heart beat of a City. That is a strong narrative that I'm sure almost all downtowns have. Part of building a sustainable economy is diversifying our economy. Instead of simply removing the downtown restriction on office density, it would be better to build a gradual plan to both expand outside commercial districts and lower downtown requirements. Businesses know they are paying more than their fair share to be down town and as Regina's downtown economy slows businesses will look to move away especially with free parking in areas outside downtown.
With downtown making up 7% of city revenue , and 47% of downtown being undeveloped land/parking, being charged less for property tax, that means the ACTUAL businesses are making up probably closer to 12-13% of revenue. I say its time we start getting our moneys worth out of these parking lots. Wider roads and more parking only means more traffic. Forcing owners to develop their land into something will eventually mean more commercial space availability, more housing or best case scenario both.
And for good ness sakes, its Saskatchewan why don't we have more tunnels or covered areas through out all of downtown... its cold outside.. and windy! I think the writing is on the wall and one of the best things that going to happen with Cornwall is to develop more connected housing, and more inside connectors for working people to congregate. That could be the selling feature of living/working downtown.
I think a big piece that was missing from this conversation was public transit. I live out of town now but spent a good portion of my life taking transit because it was just better (that it is now). No climbing into a cold car on winter mornings, no dealing with traffic, and just having a morning schedule/routine helps. Transit used to be on time all the time! Now they have schedules that are impossible. How does administration expect a bus to be able to get from Riddell to downtown in 15 minutes... during rush hour?! Even in a car not having to stop to pick people up, with the lights in my favor, this is cutting it close at any time other time of day. I'd rather spend an extra 5-10 minutes on the bus if I know the bus is going to shows up and arrives on time. Technology like Transit live doesn't make bus arrive on time. Qualified healthy drivers with realistic time schedules does.
When I lived close to down town I didn't have a car and it was great for the most part the problem was food. I worked downtown so in the summer between the farmers market and the meat shops you could get a lot of what you needed but winter was brutal. The scooters they rent downtown are fun, but what people really need are high quality transit friendly shopping carts! It's part of a larger system but if the economics are there for scooters it should be there for carts. This lets those in food deserts use the transit system to shop for food with dignity. Expanding the interval between stops for transit operators lets them have a bit of a break, and possibly picking up carts gets them out of the driver seat reducing sitting fatigue.
A good transit mix is the key to creating long term independence and sustainability for any municipality. Good transit is seen in ALL the best economic centers around the world.
People and businesses need to be spread through out the city. Having huge suburbs with out a corner store or employment options is just as bad as having commercial areas with out housing. To be sustainable we need to have a good balance of both.

[@JeffSherlock]

Private sector cost increases, tax increases, crime increases.

[@Saskpooh]

That time Paul speaks of was awesome, you could chat with Mayor Pat in the square too!

[@Wanttoescape]

Lots of business is closed in Saskatoon downtown too. Most buildings are up for lease.

[@Saskpooh]

People don't want to work downtown let alone live there. Too many sketchy folks there now, so also would be bad timing at this point.

[@ArisuEthereal869]

Renting in downtown is expensive, if they also make it cheaper. then people will be more comfortable to stay

[@raystephen3525]

Downtown is fun ❤

[@charlenefrench5404]

Why the hell is she smiling?

[@JasbirSingh-DailyFootyNews]

Parking is cheap in Downtown Regina. Try parking in Downtown Singapore

[@jonathanbarone4708]

❤❤❤

[@Dr.Dumpnpump]

Pretty obvious everything changed since the “2 week” long lockdowns. It destroyed local businesses and our economy. I hope we can recover and learn from our past mistakes.

[@kilb1100]

Once CBC is gone. Maybe we will get actual reporters. I believe CBC is the problem

[@theflowpowa42oshow]

RIP

[@jarodandshanti3749]

Liberal cities