SASKATOON — Saskatoon’s Sidewalk Safety Repair Program has undergone major enhancements over the last three years, according to a press release from the city.
This has led to the completion of nearly 18 kilometres of sidewalk safety repairs in 2021 and 2022, an average increase of 2.6 kilometres more than typically completed in the years leading up to 2021. In 2023 2.8 kilometres of sidewalk repairs are already completed this season.
The city's new process for inspecting, prioritizing and then repairing damaged sidewalk panels that create safety concerns has yielded a substantial increase in accomplishments, the release states. More than 1,600 sidewalk concerns were resolved in 2021 and 2022.
The advancements in the program included several process and resource improvements:
- Criteria such as safety and pedestrian use have been adopted to more effectively prioritize sidewalk repair work.
- Improved tool and method for capturing relevant inspection information enables better decision-making.
- A new work planning system empowers crews to prioritize and execute work orders more efficiently.
- A new process for tracking and reporting Key Performance Indicators has improved transparency, accountability, and program management.
- The creation of a central information database enables prompt and comprehensive responses to residents' inquiries.
- Improved cross-departmental collaboration has resulted in better coordination of repair work with other programs such as sidewalk replacement program.
- Improved resourcing has resulted in timelier and better-quality inspections, including improved capacity to deliver more work. 鈥���
“The success of the Sidewalk Repair Program exemplifies City’s dedication to continuous improvement and serves as a testament to the positive impact of collaboration, innovation and effort,” says Goran Saric, director of Roadways, Fleet and Support.
Saskatoon has a network of 2,386 kilometres of sidewalks, spanning a distance of about half the width of the United States.
To report a sidewalk safety concern, please call the Customer Care Center, available 24/7 at 306-975-2476.
More information on sidewalk repairs is available at saskatoon.ca/sidewalks.
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