City’s priorities seem skewed
Phil Tank hit the nail on the head in his column questioning why a soccer league requires huge investments from three levels of government so they can create a for-profit business.
How about BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)? A more accurate way to describe the system is to use the word reliable rather than rapid, according to the city, the proven leaders in reliable transit.
The complicated BRT system, approved by city council in April 2019, includes roadway construction, upgraded traffic lights and shelters. It uses the same buses that did not run last winter, under the same mismanagement, and will only cost another $40 million plus to Saskatoon taxpayers. A great bargain according to Mayor Clark!
The Remai Modern started the money queue. Now we are onto the massive new library (minus urinals, of course!) and then a new arena and convention centre (still no clear word urinals will be included). And then there is the new festival site (lucky if we get an outdoor washroom there). Have I missed anything?
Meanwhile, 23rd Street West still does not have sidewalks. Vacant and boarded buildings are still common in core neighbourhoods. Trains still rumble through the city and disrupt commutes.
All things Mayor Clark and our council do not wish to talk about, including having an “open and transparent” discussion about the new wellness centre in the recently purchased City of Saskatoon building or, as some call it, the Lighthouse 2.0.
Published in the June 16, 2022 issue of The StarPhoenix