Downtowns in Regina, Saskatoon among nation's slowest growing, according to StatsCan

New census data shows Regina and Saskatoon's downtowns haven't grown much over the last few years.

Data collected by Statistics Canada between 2016 and 2021 shows Regina's downtown population shrank by 1.6 per cent — the second-worst downtown growth rate of 42 Canadian cities.

Saskatoon's downtown population grew by 2.7 per cent, putting it at the 34th spot on the list.

Halifax enjoyed the highest downtown growth rate in Canada  at 26.1 per cent. The lowest was Red Deer, Alta. which shrank by two per cent.

What Statistics Canada includes in a city's downtown population census can differ from the true downtown borders established by a city.

For instance, it considers parts of Saskatoon's City Park, Caswell Hill, Central Industrial and Riversdale neighbourhoods to be downtown. In Regina, this would include parts of the General Hospital, Centre Square, Crescents, Cathedral, North Central, Warehouse District and Heritage neighbourhoods.

Brent Penner, executive director of Downtown Saskatoon, told CBC he believes the stats convey what he's seen in the last few years: generally lower vacancy rates in larger residential buildings and infrequent construction of these types of buildings. However, he added, there are a few larger-scale residential projects that will soon be completed.

Penner also pointed to a recent report by the City of Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan that's aimed at finding out what attracts people to live downtown, including more diversified housing options and pet-friendly spaces. 

He says downtown Saskatoon's proximity to main amenities — such as hospitals, the university and the South Saskatchewan River — make it an ideal place to live.

"The river becomes a jewel flowing through our city," he said. "It's a great spot to get out and jog, walk or ride a bike."

In Regina, Joshua Laurier, co-owner of The Cure Kitchen + Bar, admits Saskatoon may have an edge with the river. He says he's never felt Regina's downtown was "booming," and that infrastructure projects have lagged.

"It definitely affects the population of downtown, which will affect the businesses," Laurier said.

However, he said, a smaller downtown means businesses help each other out.

"We have this sort of camaraderie as opposed to other cities where they're more competitive," he said.