New park in the works for Saskatoon as part of national network
The CEO of the Meewasin Valley Authority says she’s excited Saskatoon will be part of a new network of national urban parks.
Andrea Lafond says she’s looking forward to getting community input on a design that meets the needs of a wide population.
“Meewasin is truly special in this region and we cannot wait to shine a spotlight nationally and internally on the environmental and economic benefits of conserving space,” Lafond said.
“It’s a great opportunity to engage our entire region and work with the federal government to take a look at Meewasin and what’s out there for the future.”
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Minister Responsible for Parks Canada Jonathan Wilkinson announced the network on Wednesday.
The cost is pegged at $130 million.
“Investing in a network of national parks in a down payment on a long term vision and plan to build a nature-positive and carbon-neutral future,” Wilkinson said.
According to Wilkinson, the federal government also has interest from Winnipeg, Windsor, Colewood, Edmonton, Montreal and Halifax.
Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark said usage of the Meewasin trails has doubled over the course of the pandemic.
“Throughout this pandemic, this valley rejuvenated me, whether it was walking with my family and my dog or going for runs in the winter, during all the chaos and the uncertainty we faced during the pandemic.”
Former Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow, one of the founding members of the MVA, attended the announcement.
“I’m overwhelmed with joy. This has been a project since 1979 or even longer and to see it progress the way it has and now to hear the announcement and the possibilities the announcement leads to, is wonderful.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.