Fixing the slumping riverbank in Saskatoon’s Nutana neighbourhood is not just a private property problem, say residents in the area.
Mark Lees, whose 11th Street East home is in jeopardy due to the sliding riverbank, disputed Thursday the city’s claim that riverbank failings along parts of 11th Street and Saskatchewan Crescent are a private property matter.
“This is not primarily a homeowner problem,” Lees told reporters outside his house. “I can’t understand how they can say that in good faith when there is a piece of city property that’s in disrepair.”
A back alley running between 11th Street and Saskatchewan Crescent — called Cherry Lane — is slumping. Residents are willing to fix their properties at their own expense but can’t bring equipment into the area until the alley is remediated, Lees said.
The lane is sliding downward into houses below. One home along Saskatchewan Crescent has already been evacuated.
“What we would like them to do, basically, is fix the lane and help this neighbourhood put itself back together,” said Marie Jensen, who lives on 11th Street.
A city report released Wednesday blamed the slope failure on natural causes.
The problem originated on private land, the city said.
“This is primarily a private property matter and the city does not involve itself with private property,” said Mike Gutek, the Saskatoon’s chief engineer.
The city has no plans to stabilize the alley — a project that could cost as much as $20 million.
“The lane, as a right of way, is not needed for any public purpose. Every property has access,” said Gutek.
City councillor Darren Hill said the issue is pressing.
“Council and executive are going to have to make a decision very soon on that issue,” he said.
Charlie Clark, Saskatoon’s Ward 6 councillor who represents residents in Nutana, did not comment Thursday on the issue. He said he would save comments until the city’s executive committee meets next week.
