Your latest updates on trail closures, detours, and public consultation projects.

Downtown Trail & Site Enhancements: Provide feedback for Meewasin’s next trail and site enhancements in downtown Saskatoon. The area spans from the Traffic Bridge to Kinsmen Park. The work includes enhancements to 1.5 km of existing primary Meewasin Trail and adjacent areas through Friendship Park, Kiwanis Memorial Park and the trail connection under the University Bridge.

Step 1: Watch the video showcasing the project and proposed design here.
Step 2: Review the information document, containing drawings and maps here.
Step 3: Fill out the survey to provide feedback – takes about 5 minutes.

Southwest Trail & Site Enhancements: The area, adjacent to the Holiday Park neighbourhood, starts at the Gordie Howe Bridge and continues north to the Sanatorium Site. The project includes the development of 1.3 kilometers of new primary trail through the site, including enhancements to adjacent areas. The planned trail will be developed on the existing

Spadina Crescent road (now closed to vehicles).

You can watch the video showcasing the project and proposed design HERE and review the information document, containing drawings and maps HERE. This project is now under review. Please see more under the Applications for Review heading.

River Heights Trail & Site Enhancements: The area, adjacent to the River Heights neighbourhood, starts at Capilano Drive at the west end and continues east to Spadina Crescent,

through Meewasin Park. The project includes the development of 1.4 kilometers of new primary trail through the site (where no trail currently exists), including upgrades to existing trail sections, and enhancements to adjacent areas.

You can watch the video showcasing the project and proposed design HERE and review the information document, containing drawings and maps HERE. This project is now under review. Please see more under the applications for review heading.

Meewasin Trail adjacent to Fedoruk Drive from Zary Road to Aspen Ridge: The Meewasin Trail along the south edge of the Meewasin Northeast Swale (along Fedoruk Drive) is currently under construction. Construction is planned for fall 2020 completion.

2020 Plans & Updates: The Meewasin Trail is a very well used recreational network, loved by residents and visitors alike. Based on trail data collected for 2019, we saw over 1.6 million visits to the 90km+ of Meewasin trail. As we look towards the future, we have a busy year in the works for Meewasin trail planning and development. This includes:

• Preliminary planning for trail upgrades from Kinsmen Park through the downtown to River Landing.
• Design, engagement, and construction phases of including ongoing work in and around the Shakespeare site, in the Southwest to connect from the Sanatorium site south to the Gordie Howe Bridge (with the closure of Spadina Crescent), in the upper River Heights neighbourhood and through Chief Whitecap Park.

This scope of work will significantly expand and enhance the Meewasin Trail network to strengthen the trail experience for its many users. Besides spending time on the trail, we look forward to having you participate in upcoming engagement sessions planned for this spring and fall, to showcase these projects and other plans we have in the works. Keep an eye out for announcements with more detail in the near future!

Kinsmen Riverfront Trail & Site Enhancements:  Upgrades in the Kinsmen Park area are currently being planned and will be implemented over a number of years. The project site, adjacent to Kinsmen Park and the South Saskatchewan River, spans from the Nutrien Wonderhub to the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan site. This project focuses on upgrades to the parking lots and associated pedestrian connections. You can watch the video showcasing the project and proposed design HERE and review the information document, containing drawings and maps HERE. The public engagement process for this project is now closed. The two existing parking lots will be combined into one lot, resulting in an increase in available parking plus a new drop off zone. Pedestrian and traffic flow through the area will see significant improvements. This project was supported in part by Trans Canada Trail.

Construction is now underway (March 2021), beginning with vegetation removals in the parking lot area. Two smaller trees will be relocated on site and close to 100 plants have been previously salvaged and moved to our nursery for future planting at other locations.  Most of the harvested wood will be salvaged for projects at other Meewasin sites. New construction includes curb, asphalt, lighting, storm sewer, sidewalk connections, and signage. Replanting will be undertaken as part of this project and subsequent phases of work, resulting in an overall net gain in vegetated areas when the project is complete.

Trail and parking lot closures and detours will be necessary to allow construction to proceed while maintaining public and contractor safety. Site users are asked to respect the construction activity and use designated detours outside of the work zone.

Greenway/Adjacent to Northeast Swale Development: This project borders the Meewasin Northeast Swale adjacent to the Aspen Ridge Neighborhood. Grassland establishment will be underway starting in 2020 with seeding starting in spring 2021.

This section of the Meewasin Trail, when complete, will total 3.8 km, starting at the west end at Central, heading along Fedoruk and through the Greenway to McCormond Drive at the east end. The trail distances can be broken down to 1.2 km from Central to Zary Road, which is currently under construction (fall 2020 completion), 1.4 km from Zary to the Greenway now complete, and 1.2 km of trail in the Aspen Ridge greenway which is also complete.

Meewasin Northeast Swale Master Plan: Click here to learn more. With funding provided by the City of Saskatoon, Meewasin will be continuing with the initial phases of work within the swale. This will include primary trail development on the north side of Fedoruk Road within the road right of way. Wildlife friendly fence installation has recently been completed along the south and east edge of the site.

Chief Whitecap Park Master Plan Implementation: The project will be implemented over a number of years subject to funding. You can review the Master Plan here. Trail development at Chief Whitecap Park is complete for the 2020 season, including expanded parking lots, 2.7 km of new trail Meewasin / Great Trail, new seating nodes and signage. The off-leash area fencing and signage is also complete. In 2021, trail edge restoration will be started. This project was supported in part by Trans Canada Trail.

Meewasin Northeast Sector Trail Expansion:  Saskatoon’s northeast sector is undergoing significant development as the City grows. The Meewasin Trail in this area is incomplete with gaps between Sutherland Beach and Crocus Prairie, and now the missing connection to the Chief Mistawasis Bridge. Meewasin is undertaking a process to better understand the area and develop a comprehensive primary trail network that will reach from the Circle Drive North Bridge to the Chief Mistawasis Bridge. This will include providing backshore trail connections to adjacent neghbourhoods and important features such as the Meewasin Northeast Swale. The first stage of the project is to develop a conceptual level trail alignment for this corridor. More detailed design and phased in construction will be undertaken in future years as funding becomes available.

2021 Development Review Schedule:

The Meewasin Valley Authority Act provides for a Development Review process which is the tool Meewasin uses to ensure that changes made to the river channel and lands within Meewasin’s jurisdiction are compatible with the Authority’s Development Plan. The Authority has adopted the Development Review Policy as part of its Development Plan. The policy sets guidelines for the construction and review of development, or what the Meewasin Valley Authority Act calls “improvements”. The policy contains guidelines related to Natural Resources, Riverbank Restoration, Slope Stability and Drainage, Landscape Construction and Maintenance, River Channel Improvement, Public Access, Design, Service Facilities and Service Maintenance, and Heritage Resources.

Approval is required from the Authority on any improvement valued over $25,000 in Meewasin’s conservation zone and any improvement in the river channel or shoreline. Meewasin requires notification 45 days in advance of any improvement over $150,000 in the buffer zone. The Authority’s jurisdiction is limited to certain riverbank lands and the South Saskatchewan River as it flows through the Rural Municipality of Corman Park and the City of Saskatoon.

The Meewasin Valley Authority Board of Directors reviews proposals for improvements in the Conservation Zone at their regular meetings, held the first Friday of each month. Items to be considered at the upcoming meetings can be found in the Applications for Review drop down.

Projects are listed on a monthly basis. Check back regularly for current project applications.

Please check the Applications for Review header for more information on how to register for the upcoming Public Hearing.

Application Fees

The development review fee is based on the construction value of the improvement as follows:

Instructions

1. The following information is required with all applications submitted:

• Completed application form;
• Application fee (dependent on value of project) payable by cheque, credit card or PayPal
  

  Click drop-down box to determine fee based on construction value

  Under $500K: $1,000.00 CAD$500K – $2M: $1,500.00 CADOver $2M: $2,500.00 CAD

  Project Name

  Cheque must be made payable to Meewasin Valley Authority;

• Proof of ownership or legal interest in the property;
• Location map showing the site of the improvement and the relationship to the site including adjacent properties, buildings, facilities and important natural features;
• Design drawings and plans including:
  • Plan of proposed site improvements
  • Contour lines (existing and proposed)
  • All elevations for buildings, trails, slopes, etc.
  • At least two (2) sections (for a building)
  • 3D renderings showing both summer and winter perspectives
  • Construction impact plans showing full geographic extent of disturbance, including staging
  • Pedestrian and cycling access routes during construction
  • Communications and public consultation plan
  • List of sustainability features and considerations
  • Landscape planting plan identifying native species, including forbs, grasses, trees and shrubs to be retained, and all vegetation removed and replanted.
• A0 size hard copy of all plans submitted;
• Full set of construction drawings. These can be submitted when available, but must be submitted prior to start of construction.

The following information may be requested:

• Environmental Assessment Report (MVA Policy: 2.1.1)
• Geotechnical Report (MVA Policy 3.1.1)
• Hydrological Report (MVA Policy 5.1.1)
• Traffic Report (MVA Policy 8.1.1)
• Parking Report (MVA Policy 8.3.1)
• Heritage Resources Report (MVA Policy 10.1.1)
• Any other information, models or specifications that the Meewasin Valley Authority may require as part of the review.

2. Applicants will be contacted to confirm their application has been received and advising of the date and time of the Development Review and Board meetings at which the application will be considered. Applicants will be asked to make a presentation at the Development Review meeting to the Development Review Committee. Presentations are limited to five minutes.

3. Applicants will be advised in writing as to the recommendation going to the Meewasin Valley Authority Board. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make a five-minute presentation at the Board meeting. There are three possible outcomes when an application is reviewed. The Authority may decide to:

• Approve the application as submitted;
• Approve the application but make it subject to any terms or conditions deemed appropriate; or
• Deny the application.

**Please note that any conditions of the approval must be satisfied prior to the start of construction**

At its meeting on February 5, 2021 the Meewasin Valley Authority considered the following:

• • Southwest Trail and Site Enhancements – Click here to view the Meewasin Board Resolution
  • River Heights Trail and Site Enhancements – Click here to view the Meewasin Board Resolution

More information on these projects can be found under the Current Meewasin Trail Enhancements Heading.

Applications that have been approved by the Meewasin Valley Authority may be subject to conditions as provided for in Meewasin Valley Authority Act. 

Meewasin can only approve improvements that comply with the Development Plan.

The Development Plan is prepared and adopted in accordance with the Meewasin Valley Authority Act, which requires a special resolution of the board. Any changes to this Development Plan also require a special resolution.

The Development Plan includes*:

• The Meewasin Valley Project- 100 Year Masterplan (1979)
• Meewasin Park Master Plan (1980) (maps not included)
• Beaver Creek Plan (1980)
• East Bank Open Space Study (1981)
• River Edge Industrial Location Policy (1981)
• Meewasin Valley Trail System Plan (1990)
• West Bank South Study Development Plan (1991)
• East Bank South Development Plan (1996)
• Land Acquisition Policy (1997)
• Cultural Works/Unsolicited Donations Policy (2002)
• South Downtown Local Area Design Plan (2004)
• South Downtown Concept Plan 1 (2004)
• South Downtown Concept Plan 2 (2004)
• Northeast Policy (2015)
• Meewasin South Downtown District Development Policy (2016)
• Development Review Policy (2016)
• Land Policy (2016)

*This may not be a complete list.

Meewasin’s jurisdiction centres in Saskatoon and runs approximately 90 km along the river valley through the City of Saskatoon and the Municipality of Corman Park from Pike Lake to Clarke’s Crossing. It encompasses conservation areas, parks, museums, interpretive centres, university lands, canoe launches, community links and more than 90 km of Meewasin Trail. Including the South Saskatchewan River there are more than 67 square kilometres in the conservation zone.

Please note that if you are consulting this map for available benches or seating blocks it was updated on November 30, 2015. For most up to date information please contact our Donations Officer at 306-665-6887 or by email.

You may view the Jurisdiction Map on our Map by clicking on the “Turn on/off amenities” navigation item and selecting “Jurisdiction”

Exemption Bylaw