Walking along the Meewasin Trail is a favourite summer activity for many Saskatoon residents. But, there are changes coming to the most popular part of the trail that has some people worried.
The area across from Spadina Crescent is currently 1.8 metres long. The Meewasin Valley Authority is expanding it to four metres and some trees have been cut down to make room. A Meewasin Trail study projected 30 year usage of the area of trail between Queen Street and Duke Street will exceed 300 people an hour. The Meewasin Valley Authority says the recommended trail width for that user volume is six metres. Tthe top bank of the area will be built to make room for a future six metre trail during construction to minimize future disturbance to the site.
“It really adds to the character of the trail here,” said Richard Kerbes. He’s lived across the street from the trail for 25 years. “I think it’s part of the reason why this section of the trail is so popular.”
Even on a cloudy day, the half-kilometre stretch between Queen Street and the River Works Weir sees plenty of use.
“It currently gets our highest usage,” said Alan Otterbein, manager of design and development with the Meewasin Valley Authority. “Because of that, and the age and condition of the trail, we wanted to tackle it right away.”
Plans for the area also include building retaining walls and new seating.
"It's quite mature,” Otterbein said. “A lot of the trees are showing their age and there's quite a bit of deadfall in the area."
The upgrade will cost nearly $500,000. The City of Saskatoon is helping to cover the bill, along with a federal grant.
Construction is set to start in July and will be finished in the fall.
Based on a report by CTV's Mark Villani
