Mayor Clark deserves applause

It was one of those moments of civic pride where one is proud to say “I’m from Saskatoon.”

While attending the International Downtown Association (IDA) meetings in Winnipeg, and focusing on the future of our centre city areas in this world of new urbanism, a well-attended master talk session featured the mayors’ panel.

The host city had Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman, Regina Mayor Michael Fougere, and Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark featured with IDA chair Tim Tompkins of the Times Square Alliance of New York City.

More than 600 delegates from around the world heard perspectives of creating vibrant downtown and centre city areas from these municipal leaders.

Given the numerous cities represented by downtown practitioners, Saskatoon residents should be aware of the only resounding and heartfelt applause following Mayor Clark’s response to how urban spaces can be developed and inclusive to allow all residents to reach their potential here. There was still a buzz at the following sessions about how Saskatoon gets it.

Saskatoon gets it right whenever welcoming change to the status quo to keep us an attractive city that leads on the international stage. RBID board chair Carla Duval-Tyler was quoted and her photo appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press about her insights on Winnipeg.

We in Saskatoon are usually reserved and humble with our accomplishments, but need to thank Mayor Clark and city council for helping Saskatoon’s image on the world stage become the place people want to be.

Randy Pshebylo, Saskatoon