The City of Swift Current is hoping to undergo replacement to sidewalks in five sections of the city.

The following repairs scheduled on the preliminary assessment total a length of 598.53 metres:

  • North side of Gibbs St. E: 2nd Ave SE to 4th Ave SE (117.65m)
  • South side of Gibbs St. E: 2nd Ave SE to 4th Ave SE (128.65m)
  • East side of 9th Ave NW: Sidney St. to South Plot line of parcel #144204005 (123.63m)
  • West side of 2nd Ave NE: Dufferin St. to Grey St. (152.40m)
  • North side of N. Railway St. E: 7th Ave NE to 8th Ave NE (76.20m)

What cost a total of $440 per metre in 2016 has seen a $20 increase per linear meter in 2017 - now sitting at $460. City Officials suggest the price of concrete will rise a similar approximation of 5%.

Costs for the repairs are split 50-50, meaning residents would only pay $230 per metre. The linear fee covers curb, gutter, and sidewalk repairs.

Those residents looking for more affordable financing have the option of choosing a 10-year term with 5.25% interest - an annual rate of $30.15.

Mitch Minken, the City's General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations, says the projects can be petitioned if property owners don't wish to pay, or are unable to provide the necessary funding.

However, Minken explains he hopes repairs are approved before further deterioration occurs.

"It's very difficult for us to force those works through, so we have to depend on property owners feeling the need to have their sidewalks replaced so that we can do that. Usually, as the sidewalk deteriorates along with the street, eventually we hope those property owners will want them both replaced," he said.

With the City still liable for tripping hazards on sidewalks regardless of a resident petition, Minken says the City would still combat the hazards on more of a temporary level.

"We'll maybe put a little bit of asphalt or concrete there to get rid of the tripping hazard so that it can make its way until we actually get an opportunity to replace the whole piece. If we need to replace a small section just to get rid of something, then we will do that as a maintenance activity as well," he said.

Minken says the City requires a minimum of 50% approval for the frontage area to proceed with the projects, which first need approval from the Saskatchewan Municipal Board.

If approved, the estimated cost for the projects would be $275,323.80, with both the City and affected residents each covering $137,661.90.

With the City solely funding sidewalk replacements in intersections and lane crossings, the General Manager of Infrastructure and Operations says once the spring and summer arrive, the potential for approximately 1.5km of repairs and replacement could be on the go - nearly 1km more than the proposed 598.53 awaiting approval from the Saskatchewan Municipal Board.

With the linear rates for sidewalk replacement expected to rise yearly, Minken says newer neighbourhoods, such as the Sask Valley subdivision in the North East corner of the city, are testing and incorporating a cost-effective option.

"So there's sidewalk on one side of the street, but not on the other. It's an opportunity to see whether or not that works for folks. Of course, it reduces the cost of the infrastructure now as well as down the road because it doesn't need to be replaced," he said.

Minken shares that residents in the Sask Valley neighbourhood have given mixed reviews so far over streets with single sidewalks, mostly due to the unfamiliarity with the concept.

As for the existing problem areas in the older neighbourhoods in Swift Current, Minken and the City's hopes are to try and keep up with the deterioration, as fully catching up would prove to be an unrealistic expectation.