MOOSE JAW — Athabasca Street East near the library usually turns into a raceway when the snow disappears and the weather warms up, which makes it difficult for some seniors to cross the road safely.
During city council’s June 9 regular meeting, Coun. Carla Delaurier raised the issue of speeding motorists along that street near that building. She noted that she has spoken with seniors who live in condos in the area and who wonder how they can have city hall potentially install speed bumps to regulate traffic.
“They are finding that every spring, it seems to get quicker and faster and people are struggling to get across the street in time,” Delaurier said.
A second issue the councillor raised was about the city closing Caribou Street East near Ross Wells Ballpark during the Miller-Express ball games. Delaurier said she understood the need for safety, but wondered if the city would allow area residents to access their garages or properties along that street and have local traffic only.
“I know it’s been spoken to before. … We (need to) see if there’s something we can do moving forward to ease that issue for citizens,” she added.
The City of Moose Jaw announced recently that it plans to temporarily shutter four roads from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on game days, including Caribou Street East and Second Avenue East, Ross Street East and Ross Crescent, Hochelaga Street East and Third Avenue East and Caribou Street East and Willow Avenue.
Meanwhile, the Miller Express’ home game dates this season include June 5, 6, 7, 8,11, 12, 15, 18 and 20, July 1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 24 and 27, and Aug. 1 and 2.
Delaurier also inquired about when city hall planned to fix the wood fence for the city-owned parking lot at the corner of Fairford Street East and First Avenue Northwest.
During council’s 2025 budget deliberations, members voted to spend roughly $42,000 to replace a dilapidated wood fence that looked “horrible” around the city hall parking lot. That estimated cost included removing the structure and adding a barrier so motorists don’t drive over the sidewalk into the parking lot.
City administration told Delaurier that it would provide answers for the first two inquiries at the next meeting, while it provided an immediate answer about the third.
Tyler Erickson, manager of engineering, said contractor PME is working along Fairford Street West and has nearly finished the immediate work of restoring water mains. However, a subcontractor must come to complete concrete and asphalt work, which will take two weeks before First Avenue Northwest is restored.
He added that that is all contingent on good weather.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 23.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the direction of the parking lot.
