Rapid transit system to change iconic 8th Street: report

Not that long ago, 8th Street was the place where you went to buy a car. Now, the street is home to restaurants, book stores and grocery stores. A new report by Colliers International says even more changes are coming to the iconic street.

The report analyzes trends on 8th Street E. to identify what the next steps will be, taking into account the redevelopment of Cumberland Square and Circle Centre Tower.

"8th Street is evolving and it's been evolving for quite some time," said Tom McClocklin, managing director of Saskatchewan Brokerage, Colliers International.

"You see a lot of construction going along there–now especially. We just wanted to look back into time and it's a very important street in Saskatoon."

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Initially, McClocklin said there were a lot of local hardware stores and drive-in businesses on 8th, before vehicle retailers moved in a few decades ago. The trend shifted again, the car lots moved off the street and there was development of strip malls, big box stores and grocery stores.

He points to the block with London Drugs and Winners as a good example of how a car lot can change.

Now, with the street's aging infrastructure and plans for 8th Street to be a major part of the upcoming rapid transit system, McClocklin said it's time for the next evolution of 8th Street.

"Next five to 10 years, I think you will see continual change," he said.

McClocklin expects to see more small businesses dedicated to fitness, financial services and medical clinics popping up. He also said there will be more quick service type restaurants and chain restaurants.

"8th Street is going to be a main corridor for this bus rapid transit system. So, they are trying to hopefully get people more into a bit more of a street front feel to it than a parking lot retail at the back type feel to it," he said.

McClocklin added it likely won't be cafes and patios, since it will still be a main vehicle thoroughfare in the city.