BID on top of snow removal

Re: Jordon Cooper column

In the article “Lack of parking is never problem in great cities” (SP, Aug. 28), Jordon Cooper stated that the BIDs seem to be overwhelmed at the idea of shovelling snow and ice off their sidewalks. I want to point out that this is inaccurate at least as it relates to the Downtown Saskatoon Business Improvement District. Technically, it is the responsibility of every property owner to clear snow. For many years, Downtown Saskatoon has supplemented the efforts of all these individual property owners.

Two winters ago, we purchased a sidewalk sweeper to augment the other equipment we already had for our five full-time staff who are involved in snow removal in the winter.

This piece of equipment has allowed our staff to make a much larger impact in moving snow off sidewalks as soon as possible.

We have heard positive comments from businesses and property owners about our enhanced efforts in this regard since acquiring the equipment.

In addition, several private contractors do a great job at keeping sidewalks clear of snow around large commercial properties. Our operations manager works to help educate all business and property owners of their responsibility to ensure safe passage for all.

We believe through the concerted efforts of the BID, property, and business owners that we are demonstrating the importance of safe passage for all. We are not overwhelmed with what winter brings and believe we are doing our part in a collaborative effort to keep downtown sidewalks as clear from snow as possible. Brent Penner, executive director, Downtown Saskatoon