Regina Construction III

[pegcityfan]

I think Ikea in SK is more likely than another Costco although which of Regina & Saskatoon. Back when Winnipeg got one, their policy was only cities with at least 1 million but at the time were the highest per capita online order city for them. But more importantly the governments gave them millions of $ to build. Halifax since got one so... SK is an untapped market that doesn't mind travelling so would work very well imo.

[Festivus]

We found some dishware that we liked from Ikea online, and were considering ordering it (for around $100). The shipping would be $100, we would have to pick it up in person at their affiliate in Regina, and it was going to take over a month...so yeah, we shopped elsewhere.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Elphinstone and 13th Avenue development. Finally!

[Stormer]

They have installed large LED uplights along the new Vic Ave median. Not sure what the effect is although I would imagine they are colour changeable. I will see if they come on tonight.

[Draftsman]

Originally Posted by Stormer

They have installed large LED uplights along the new Vic Ave median. Not sure what the effect is although I would imagine they are colour changeable. I will see if they come on tonight.

I hope you do. Please let us know ...before they get buried in snow

[Drofmab]

Originally Posted by Stormer

They have installed large LED uplights along the new Vic Ave median. Not sure what the effect is although I would imagine they are colour changeable. I will see if they come on tonight.

Watching the crew installing those, it was clearly a screw-up... should've been done before planting trees/backfilling/adding mulch. LOL.

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by Draftsman

I hope you do. Please let us know ...before they get buried in snow

They did not come on.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Originally Posted by Stormer

They did not come on.

I believe they are being installed to then be used when the trees are larger.

[Draftsman]

Originally Posted by one_brick_at_a_time

I believe they are being installed to then be used when the trees are larger.

Perhaps, or just for summer use when there is no snow and/or muck covering them?

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Was just in London, Ontario the past few days and was wondering thoughts on something like this for an overhaul of Scarth Street.

[BrutallyDishonest2]

Why would we want to make Scarth Street worse?

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Originally Posted by BrutallyDishonest2

Why would we want to make Scarth Street worse?

You mean brand new brick would be worse than the crumbling crap that exists currently?

I was actually looking for positive constructive ideas:

1. Keep Scarth as it is currently and let it become worse
2. Redo the entire strip with new brick without traffic
3. Redo the entire strip with new brick and one way center traffic
4. Redo the entire strip with new brick and center two way traffic
5. Redo the entire strip with new brick and one way traffic next to one lane parking

[BrutallyDishonest2]

Originally Posted by one_brick_at_a_time

You mean brand new brick would be worse than the crumbling crap that exists currently?

I was actually looking for positive constructive ideas:

1. Keep Scarth as it is currently and let it become worse
2. Redo the entire strip with new brick without traffic
3. Redo the entire strip with new brick and one way center traffic
4. Redo the entire strip with new brick and center two way traffic
5. Redo the entire strip with new brick and one way traffic next to one lane parking

You didn't post about just new brick. You posted pictures suggesting that we open it to traffic which is, frankly, insane.

The failed new plaza has excellent brick, it can be continued on the Scarth St washout completely ruining a popular pedestrian street that has existed and had businesses develop around it.

Car culture rots brains.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Originally Posted by BrutallyDishonest2

You didn't post about just new brick. You posted pictures suggesting that we open it to traffic which is, frankly, insane.

The failed new plaza has excellent brick, it can be continued on the Scarth St washout completely ruining a popular pedestrian street that has existed and had businesses develop around it.

Car culture rots brains.

I posted pictures asking for thoughts on what London, Ontario did. I would love the plaza new brick continued up Scarth Street to 11th Avenue without traffic.

[BrannyMuffin]

Personally I would like to see Scarth St. remain a pedestrian only street. Continue the brick from the plaza and make improvements (still think it’s a good spot for a fountain, for example, fix the tree situation, etc.). If they want to open a street to traffic, the plaza would probably be a better idea. Those pictures from London seem to be along the lines of what was originally planned for 12th, go back to that instead of opening Scarth to traffic.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Originally Posted by BrannyMuffin

Personally I would like to see Scarth St. remain a pedestrian only street. Continue the brick from the plaza and make improvements (still think it’s a good spot for a fountain, for example, fix the tree situation, etc.). If they want to open a street to traffic, the plaza would probably be a better idea. Those pictures from London seem to be along the lines of what was originally planned for 12th, go back to that instead of opening Scarth to traffic.

Totally agree with your thoughts for Scarth. I want more trees and new benches or concrete raised benches with a center fountain.

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by BrannyMuffin

Personally I would like to see Scarth St. remain a pedestrian only street. Continue the brick from the plaza and make improvements (still think it’s a good spot for a fountain, for example, fix the tree situation, etc.). If they want to open a street to traffic, the plaza would probably be a better idea. Those pictures from London seem to be along the lines of what was originally planned for 12th, go back to that instead of opening Scarth to traffic.

I don't think a driving lane helps businesses without parking, and that is not going to happen.

[Draftsman]

The first thing the City needs to address on the Scarth Street Mall is replacement of the pavers. I think we all agree that the existing ones are in terrible condition. Use the same pavers as the ones on 12th Avenue. Those pavers have stood up very well. IIRC, those pavers are from Germany. (Could someone confirm that?)

There is no need for a single-lane roadway. There would the no benefit to that. 11th Avenue is a narrow and busy street, with most bus routes using that street. God forbid that the buses get moved off of 11th Avenue! As long as it is designed to allow for emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance) as well as City Parks vehicles to traverse it, that is all that is needed. I don't think it should be re-opened to traffic otherwise. Keep it as a pedestrian mall. Hello Mayor Masters?

Remove the ugly planters, and replace them with something more attractive, along with more trees, shrubs and perhaps an imposing piece of public art that people will come to see and pose for pictures with. A fountain would be nice, but I would be worried about vandalism - even something as simple (and childish) as emptying a bottle of dish soap into the water. It has happened at the SaskPower and City Hall fountains several times.

Install attractive and comfortable seating. I work downtown. I know how awful the seating is. Most planter-seats are too high off the pavers for people to be comfortably seated.

Install attractive and brighter lighting.

Move Joe Fafard's metal buffalo sculpture (let Harvard put it in the lobby of Tower II) Sorry, I have never liked it. RIP Joe. It blocks sightlines, which are important for public safety. Many people currently feel unsafe on the mall at night.

Add lots of colour! Use colourful banners (not promoting any events or causes). And plan the area for Christmas decorations, not just three or four pathetic strings of light across the mall.

And, this is a biggie: DO NOT use designers from outside Saskatchewan. We have seen what they have done in the past, and it is not pretty.

[BrannyMuffin]

Originally Posted by djforsberg

These are all good ideas. It’s only a matter of time before someone trips on one of the broken pavers and seriously injures themself. I know I almost have on several occasions.

I know this isn’t the restaurant thread but while we are on the topic of Scarth St Mall, does anyone know what the heck is going on with Beer Bros?

End of September they were apparently nearly done renovations, but no updates since then.

[CCF]

Originally Posted by Draftsman

The first thing the City needs to address on the Scarth Street Mall is replacement of the pavers. I think we all agree that the existing ones are in terrible condition. Use the same pavers as the ones on 12th Avenue. Those pavers have stood up very well. IIRC, those pavers are from Germany. (Could someone confirm that?)

There is no need for a single-lane roadway. There would the no benefit to that. 11th Avenue is a narrow and busy street, with most bus routes using that street. God forbid that the buses get moved off of 11th Avenue! As long as it is designed to allow for emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance) as well as City Parks vehicles to traverse it, that is all that is needed. I don't think it should be re-opened to traffic otherwise. Keep it as a pedestrian mall. Hello Mayor Masters?

Remove the ugly planters, and replace them with something more attractive, along with more trees, shrubs and perhaps an imposing piece of public art that people will come to see and pose for pictures with. A fountain would be nice, but I would be worried about vandalism - even something as simple (and childish) as emptying a bottle of dish soap into the water. It has happened at the SaskPower and City Hall fountains several times.

Install attractive and comfortable seating. I work downtown. I know how awful the seating is. Most planter-seats are too high off the pavers for people to be comfortably seated.

Install attractive and brighter lighting.

Move Joe Fafard's metal buffalo sculpture (let Harvard put it in the lobby of Tower II) Sorry, I have never liked it. RIP Joe. It blocks sightlines, which are important for public safety. Many people currently feel unsafe on the mall at night.

Add lots of colour! Use colourful banners (not promoting any events or causes). And plan the area for Christmas decorations, not just three or four pathetic strings of light across the mall.

And, this is a biggie: DO NOT use designers from outside Saskatchewan. We have seen what they have done in the past, and it is not pretty.

Lots of valid and fair points in here - but I have to disagree with the opposition to bringing in outside-Saskatchewan perspectives into Regina. There is much we can learn from practice and work in other contexts. It is of course important that those teams have an understanding of local nuances, issues, etc - but any good design/consultant team will recognize that at the onset.

Unfortunately, I feel sometimes that we don't have enough infusion of new ideas into Regina - some outside perspectives might be what's needed to interrupt the status quo.