SASKATOON — Meewasin, along with its many local partners, is excited to begin engagement with the public, First Nations, and Métis communities on the potential designation of a National Urban Park in the Saskatoon region.
This project marks a significant step forward to advancing the shared goals of Meewasin and Parks Canada's National Urban Park program to:
- Conserve nature, such as vital prairie ecosystems and biodiversity
- Connect people and communities with nature through accessible trails and programs
- Advance reconciliation with First Nations and Métis Peoples
A key part of this project is listening to and including the voices, cultures, and knowledge of First Nations and Métis Peoples. As the original stewards of these lands, their guidance is essential to ensure these lands are sustainably cared for to benefit future generations. At the heart of exploring the urban park, we continue to work collaboratively with First Nations and Métis leaders and community members.
The draft boundaries of the park stretch along the South Saskatchewan River within the Meewasin Valley. This area already has many popular trails and natural spaces. If designated, Meewasin will pursue enhancements to conservation efforts, improving public access, and developing programs, while also promoting reconciliation. The park aims to support health and wellness by providing opportunities for people to spend time in nature, fostering community, and encouraging regional economic growth.
The potential park would be designated under Parks Canada’s National Urban Parks Policy. The Saskatoon region is among several urban areas in Canada where Parks Canada is considering a national urban park designation. No additional funding from local governments will be needed to proceed with the steps toward the park's designation. Since 2022, Meewasin and the National Urban Park Steering Committee have been listening to diverse voices—including those of First Nations and Métis communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, local partners, and interest holders—to shape the vision for a National Urban Park in the region. From July to September 2025, they will share ideas and seek your feedback to help bring this exciting vision to life.
Your voice matters.
To learn more and share your thoughts, visit urbanparksask.ca
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