New Downtown elevator coming soon: Impacts during construction

Saskatoon Community Clinic’s Downtown location will soon receive a much-needed elevator upgrade. While this important project will improve accessibility in the long term, patients and staff can expect some temporary inconveniences and disruptions during construction.

Work will begin on September 1 and is expected to continue through mid-November, when the new elevator is tentatively scheduled to open for use.

Below is an overview of the impacts patients and staff can expect during the project.

Accessibility

To support patients with mobility needs during construction, the Second Avenue ramp and upper-level entrance will be open during construction. If you think you may have difficulty navigating the ramp on your own, please consider bringing someone along to help. Staxi wheelchairs will remain available and will be in the south waiting area.

The rear entrance facing First Avenue will remain open, but the waiting area and taxi phone at that entrance will be unavailable for the duration of the project. A taxi phone will continue to be available on the lower level near the patient washrooms.

Construction Noise

Removing and replacing an elevator is a significant construction project and will involve periods of loud noise.

Staff and patients can expect disruptive construction noise while the existing elevator, concrete and mechanical components are removed. Vibrations from jackhammering will be felt throughout the building. The most significant noise impacts are expected during September.

Disposable earplugs will be available at both entrances and reception areas. The Facilities team will monitor noise levels throughout the project and Leadership will assess whether additional sound-mitigation measures are required.

Parking

Beginning August 30, four parking stalls will be unavailable for the duration of the project to accommodate a sea container and metal dumpster. The blue area in the image below identifies the affected stalls.

On September 1, an additional six parking stalls shown in the red area will be closed until the scrap metal bin is delivered that day. The delivery window is between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and the exact arrival time cannot be guaranteed. In a worst-case scenario, these six parking stalls may remain unavailable for the entire day.