The controversial concrete barriers that have lined portions of Saskatoon’s downtown for nearly two years have finally been removed, triggering a wave of optimism among local business owners who have long claimed the structures were suffocating their operations.
“It’s like a weight has been lifted,” said Boryski’s Butcher Block owner Andrew Boryski, whose storefront on 20th Street had been partially obscured by the barriers. “The day they took them away, we immediately noticed more foot traffic and customers commenting on how they could actually see our shop again.”
The barriers, initially installed as part of the city’s pandemic response to create more outdoor spaces for physical distancing, had remained in place far longer than many business owners anticipated. What began as a temporary public health measure evolved into a point of contention for downtown merchants who reported decreased visibility, limited parking, and customer complaints about accessibility.
City of Saskatoon Transportation Director Jay Magus confirmed the removal operation was completed ahead of schedule. “We recognized the community feedback and prioritized the dismantling process while still ensuring we maintained safe traffic flow,” Magus told CO24 News.
Financial impact data collected by the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District suggests that businesses adjacent to the barriers experienced revenue declines between 15-30% compared to pre-barrier figures. Those statistics appear to validate the concerns raised repeatedly at city council meetings over the past year.
Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce CEO Jason Aebig applauded the city’s decision to finally remove the structures. “Our downtown businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience through challenging economic conditions. Removing these barriers eliminates one more obstacle to their success and sends a signal that we’re committed to a vibrant, accessible central business district,” Aebig stated.
For Little Bird Patisserie owner Tasha Henderson, the barrier removal represents more than just potential financial recovery. “Downtown businesses create community. When people can easily access and see our storefronts, it creates a neighborhood feeling that benefits everyone,” Henderson explained. “The past two years have been incredibly challenging for small businesses in Canada, and having artificial barriers—both literal and figurative—removed helps us rebuild.”
City councilor Cynthia Block, who represents the downtown ward, noted that the barrier removal is part of a broader downtown revitalization strategy. “We’ve heard the business community loud and clear, and we’re implementing several initiatives to enhance the downtown experience. This is just one piece of a comprehensive approach to strengthen our urban core,” Block said.
The concrete structures haven’t disappeared entirely—they’ve been repurposed and relocated to other areas where they serve functional purposes for traffic calming and pedestrian protection without impacting business visibility.
As Saskatoon moves forward with its downtown strategy, the question remains: how will city planners balance future urban design innovations with the practical needs of business owners who form the economic backbone of the downtown district? The barrier episode serves as a powerful reminder that even well-intentioned infrastructure changes require thoughtful consideration of their wider economic impact.
