Let’s imagine tomorrow’s park together!
The South Saskatchewan River flows through the heart of Saskatoon and has nurtured its many surrounding communities for generations. Stewardship of the river valley corridor has ensured space and amenities exist for people to experience, learn about and look after prairie grasslands, wetlands and habitat in an urban environment.
The Saskatoon region’s leadership in stewarding the river valley has now been recognized. Through the new National Urban Parks program, Parks Canada is working with local partners to consider how significant urban greenspaces, like the Meewasin Valley, can enhance the conservation of nature, connect people with nature, and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
We are working together to apply Meewasin’s mission to balance human use and conservation to secure a national urban park designation to further protect our natural spaces for the future, in a spirit of collaboration and reconciliation
miýwâsin is nȇhiyawȇwin/Cree for ‘it is beautiful’
The Opportunity
Designating the Meewasin Valley as a national urban park unlocks countless possibilities and connections.
National urban parks will conserve nature in urban areas;
connect Canadians with nature; and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
With careful stewardship and engagement, the Meewasin Valley Authority has ensured
the health of the river valley system and brought a focus to community activities on and along the river.
A national urban park in the heart of Saskatchewan will help preserve a unique and treasured resource,
guide sustainable growth, and welcome visitors to the river valley.
National urban parks will conserve nature in urban areas;
connect Canadians with nature; and advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
With careful stewardship and engagement, the Meewasin Valley Authority has ensured
the health of the river valley system and brought a focus to community activities on and along the river.
A national urban park in the heart of Saskatchewan will help preserve a unique and treasured resource,
guide sustainable growth, and welcome visitors to the river valley.
The Journey
Exploring a potential national urban park follows the river’s history from a million yesterdays to a thousand tomorrows.
The river valley was home to several First Nations including Assiniboine in the south and Plains Cree in the north. Hunters travelled trails on both banks of the river.
The homeland of the Métis, one of the original inhabitants of this region.
The 100 Year Conceptual Master Plan of the South Saskatchewan River Environment was released in 1978 with a commitment to honour a unique land, a unique people, balance, and linkages between city and rural.
In August 2021, the federal government announced the creation of a network of national urban parks, including one in the Saskatoon region. It's a timely opportunity. The Meewasin Trail had more than two million visits last year.
Partners and Perspectives
A collaborative exploration process will consider priorities and knowledge from across the region, expertise from other successful projects and community input.
The river valley was home to several First Nations including Assiniboine in the south and Plains Cree in the north. Hunters travelled trails on both banks of the river.
The homeland of the Métis, one of the original inhabitants of this region.
The 100 Year Conceptual Master Plan of the South Saskatchewan River Environment was released in 1978 with a commitment to honour a unique land, a unique people, balance, and linkages between city and rural.
In August 2021, the federal government announced the creation of a network of national urban parks, including one in the Saskatoon region. It's a timely opportunity. The Meewasin Trail had more than two million visits last year.
Be a part of the conversation and help spread the word
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