SASKATOON– The Meewasin Board of Directors is excited to announce that Mike Velonas will assume the permanent role of Chief Executive Officer for the Meewasin Valley Authority on July 21, 2025. Velonas has been serving as interim CEO since March 2025 and was selected for the permanent role following a rigorous competitive search process.
“The search committee heard from many excellent leaders who shared a deep passion for the Meewasin Valley and its importance for Saskatoon and beyond,” said Angela Bedard-Haughn, board chair. “Ultimately, we were profoundly inspired by Mike’s clearly articulated vision and plan for the future of Meewasin and how it can evolve to meet the changing needs of our community. At the same time, it was clear how this would be done while remaining true to Meewasin’s roots, continuing to deliver on the original vision laid out in Raymond Moriyama’s 100-Year Concept Plan and on the overarching mission of Meewasin. The board looks forward to working with Mike and the rest of the Meewasin team to support this next chapter!”
Velonas brings a great depth of experience to the role, having been part of the Meewasin leadership team since 2010. He previously served as Planning & Conservation Manager, where he was responsible for oversight of development review; the Meewasin Valley Authority Act; planning and development policies; bylaws; the exploration of a potential national urban park; and planning of new facilities. He earned his degree in Regional and Urban Planning from the University of Saskatchewan and has a passion for good urbanism that includes well-connected and protected natural areas.
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Velonas is often walking and biking The Meewasin Trail with his family. His favourite part of the job is being part of an organization that makes Saskatoon and region better today and for future generations.
“Meewasin is a small charity with huge local impact and international renown,” said Velonas. “It’s a transformative time, as we evolve to meet the needs of a quickly growing region and explore potential designation as a National Urban Park. Meewasin has an incredible 46-year legacy and an amazing team. This is Saskatoon’s greatest asset in Canada’s greatest city, and I am thrilled to lead Meewasin into its next brilliant chapter!”
About Meewasin Valley Authority
The Meewasin Valley Authority exists to ensure a healthy and vibrant river valley, with a balance between human use and conservation by:
- Providing leadership in the management of its resources;
- Promoting understanding, conservation and beneficial use of the Valley; and
- Undertaking programs and projects in river valley development and conservation, for the benefit of present and future generations.
There are 67 square kilometers of land and 108km of established trail, which has seen up to 2.365 million trail visits per year, in the Meewasin Valley. The area also features sites that help people to connect to nature through experiences such as Beaver Creek Conservation Area, the Meewasin Northeast Swale, Saskatoon Natural Grasslands, the River Landing Spray Area, and the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink @Nutrien Plaza. Meewasin is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and volunteers for sustainability.
For Information Contact
Mitchell Happ
Marketing Coordinator
306-665-6887
mhapp@meewasin.com