Community Feedback Shapes the Conversation on Gull Lake Sidewalks
- Gull Lake Events
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
As the latest sidewalk tender closes, residents are pointing to specific locations in need of attention and raising broader questions about future upgrades. A recent update on sidewalk work at Canada Post and Kreative Kidz drew 27 likes and several constructive comments on social media.
Comments identified the following locations as needing attention:
🚶 SARCAN corner — safety and accessibility concerns
🏫 Across from the school — reports of children tripping on uneven surface
🏘 Conrad Apartments — major repair suggested
🏡 Kings Avenue — long-standing request for replacement
🏛 Community Hall — narrow entry and uneven surface
♿ General accessibility — uneven, slanted, or missing sidewalks; not walker or wheelchair friendly
Some residents also raised concerns about visibility at intersections, citing bushes and parked vehicles obstructing sightlines.
Sidewalks form a significant part of the town’s infrastructure. As repairs and replacements continue, they represent an ongoing expense requiring both time and funding. A publicly available long‑term plan could provide residents with information on how Gull Lake sidewalks are being addressed, including priorities, timelines, and funding decisions.
📅 Key Dates in Gull Lake Sidewalks Work
In the Town’s 2015 Needs Assessment Survey, 5% of respondents reported satisfaction with streets and sidewalks — the lowest score among local services.
In 2016, the Town contracted Safe Sidewalks Canada to assess sidewalk conditions and address trip hazards. That work identified areas in need of repair and provided a baseline for future improvements.
In August 2022, a local editorial called for a long‑term downtown sidewalk strategy, including material choices, repair priorities, and funding options. The piece also outlined potential benefits of such a plan, such as improved accessibility, coordinated upgrades, and clearer funding priorities. Read the full editorial here.
In 2024, several sidewalks in poor condition along Rutland Avenue—from Seventh Street to Second Street—received a pavement application, and one small section across from the EMS Hall was replaced with new concrete. This work was carried out during the Highway 37 rehabilitation project led by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, which also brought a new paved surface, gutters, and curbs through that section of town. It is not clear whether this sidewalk work was part of a broader municipal sidewalk plan.
The Royal Bank funded the sidewalk replacement adjacent to its property. The Post Office sidewalk is included in the current municipal tender for upgrades. No public long‑term sidewalk plan has been released that includes this project.
Sidewalk condition and planning have been discussed in the community for several years. Nearby communities have also explored sidewalk renewal strategies. Shaunavon’s 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program allows property owners to share costs with the town, with options for interest‑free repayment over three years.
The current tender addresses two priority projects. This poll invites residents to share their views on approaches to improving Gull Lake’s sidewalks.
📊 Community Feedback Poll: Which approach do you think would most improve Gull Lake’s sidewalks?
🗺 Develop a long‑term improvement plan with resident input
🔧 Short‑term repairs only, no plan, no resident input.
🤷 No changes are needed; resident input is not required.
💬 This is an informal community poll for reporting purposes. Responses may be referenced in future coverage on walkability in Gull Lake.
🔍 What’s Next
Tender submissions are now closed and results are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Once the successful bidder is confirmed and project timelines are set, further details on the scope of work will be reported. Poll results will be shared in a future update on sidewalk and accessibility issues in Gull Lake.
Gull Lake Events
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