Downtown business owners optimistic of Scarth Street revitalization decision

WATCH: Regina’s only pedestrian specific street, Scarth Street, will stay closed to vehicle traffic. Hallee Mandryk has the details.

Regina’s Scarth Street revitalization project will not include opening the city’s sole pedestrian-only street to vehicles - keeping it exclusive to those on two feet.

The decision comes as a relief to the business owners who spoke with CTV News.

Greg Olenick is a cosmetologist at Salon Snax, which has occupied its spot on Scarth Street for over 20 years.

“I think the mall is nice the way it is,” she said. “Now that the Covid’s done and we’re off to a new year, I think we’re up for a good, good summer on the mall here.”

CJ Panelle, who owns True Dark Tattoo on Scarth Street, also agrees with the decision.

“I’m really excited for it. I didn’t want to have cars on our street here,” Panelle said.

“It’s nice to have the walking area.”

The decision comes after the city sought out public feedback on the idea – putting residents’ opposition to vehicles in the pedestrian haven on full display.

“What we’re looking for is to have it continue to be pedestrian only, also to have some trees, different kinds of greenery, arts face some of the aspects of different kinds of seating for people,” Kim Sare, senior planner for the City of Regina revitalization branch said.

“[We’re] trying to think about how can we work with the businesses [on] that street in a way that compliments the stuff that’s going on in the mall space, whether that’s events, different ways of bringing folks into the mall and into the businesses.”

The revitalization project itself is still set to proceed, with hopes that construction can begin in 2027.

The space is in need of some structural upgrades, both above and below ground. In addition to those changes, the city plans to transform the space into an area that draws the community in.

Olenick shared that he is excited to see the upgrades. After several businesses in the area did not make it through the COVID-19 pandemic, he is beginning to see a turnaround.

“I think it’s going to be good ... it’s something that’s really desperately needed at the same time,” he explained. “We’re excited right now. Just to see that ... we’re going to make that shift back to what it, what it used to be.”

Olenick added that the prospect of more events like farmers markets and food truck pop ups in the space will make a big difference.

While the realities of infrastructure projects might pose some additional challenges, the concept for a more active community is one business owners are optimistic of.

“That’s exciting. I just really hope that we can get the construction done and not have a whole bunch more going on down here,” Panella said. “As a tattoo shop, we do take walk ins when we’re able to, so walking traffic would be phenomenal.”