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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.