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
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.