Interpretation Bulletin #1

Meewasin Valley Authority
Date: January 4, 1999

The intention of this bulletin is to interpret “terraces”, a design feature referred to in Section 7 of Meewasin's Development Review Policy.

The Development Review Policy, a component of Meewasin's Development Plan, sets guidelines for the review and construction of “improvements” in Meewasin Valley. Policy 7 states that a building or structure proposed within Meewasin Valley shall be designed to complement the river valley setting. Terraces are one of many design features that are required, according to policy, to soften the impact of a building or structure. However, the Authority has the ability to interpret its development plan and has been flexible regarding its interpretation of terraces.

Terracing means to structurally recess the levels of a building as elevation is gained. However, terraces could also mean that only the balconies are terraced as elevation is gained. The use of vegetation, retaining walls, entry features, and/or colors and textures could be used as an alternative to structural terraces. Another example of terraces is a building or structure at a lower elevation in front of a building or structure at a higher elevation providing a terraced effect.

The Development Review Committee provides the technical expertise to advise the Authority but the Authority is not bound to accept their recommendations. Each application is reviewed on its own merits. It is for the Authority to decide if the impact of a building or structure is softened by the use of appropriate design features such as terraces.

For further information or clarification, please contact the Resource Planning Manager at 665-6887.

Interpretation Bulletin #2

Meewasin Valley Authority
Date: February 5, 1999

The intention of this bulletin is to interpret Policy 5.1 of Meewasin's Development Review Policy.

Policy 5.1 states that a proposed improvement shall not cause or contribute to an adverse alteration of the shape of the river channel (channel morphology) or water flow dynamics (river hydrology). An improvement means a building, structure or service facility constructed, or landscape construction, within Meewasin Valley, or any alteration thereof or addition thereto but does not include the ordinary care, maintenance or repair of a building, structure or service facility or of landscape construction (The MVA Act, S. 2(1)).

For the purposes of Policy 5.1, the Authority considers any improvement to stabilize the riverbank south of the City of Saskatoon as adversely altering channel morphology or river dynamics and the Authority shall deny any such improvement. However, the Authority will receive and review applications for such improvements.

The Authority approved a number of armoring or stabilizing projects in the past and decided to grandfather existing projects in the sense of maintaining the status quo but will not allow the expansion of a previously approved project.

The Authority intends to protect the meandering of the South Saskatchewan River in Meewasin Valley south of Saskatoon's city limits. No new armoring or stabilizing projects will be allowed.

For further information or clarification, please contact the Resource Planning Manager at 665-6887.

Interpretation Bulletin #3

Meewasin Valley Authority
Date: December 3, 2004

The intention of this bulletin is to provide additional information to clarify the landscape requirements for the South Downtown District.

This bulletin is to be read in conjunction with the current version of the Meewasin Development Plan, the Meewasin Development Review Policy No: 1.1, the South Downtown Concept Plan 2004, the South Downtown District Policy and the South Downtown Local Area Design Plan – August 31, 2004.

LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT AND PLANTING – SOUTH DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

Open Space

Open space(s) on private property must contain landscape development appropriate to the function, location and size of the space.

Design

Landscape design must be prepared and stamped by a Member of the Saskatchewan Association of Landscape Architects .

Provide open space development including planting character/massing consistent with function, activities, uses and appropriate for climatic, visual and growing conditions.

Hard Surfaces

Where hard surfaces are a substantial part of landscape development, consider using unit paving or similar materials to provide contrasting material, texture and colour.  Consider integration with adjacent surfaces.

Plant Material

Use, as appropriate, the full range of plant types (deciduous and coniferous trees and shrubs, vines, perennials, annuals and bulbs) for seasonal variety and visual interest. Complement surrounding properties and planting in public open spaces.

Planting material shall be balled and burlapped or container grown at the following minimum sizes at the time of installation:

• Small deciduous shrubs – 300 millimetres high.
• Medium deciduous shrubs – 600 millimetres high.
• Large deciduous shrubs – 1200 millimetres high.
• Coniferous shrubs – 450 millimetre diameter.
• Upright coniferous shrubs – 1000 millimetres high.
• Coniferous trees – 1800 millimetres high.
• Large deciduous trees – 60 millimetres caliper.
• Vines – two year transplants.
• Perennials – 1 litre pots.
• Bulbs – top size.

Plant material shall be acclimatized and hardy for local and site specific conditions and shall be grown and handled in accordance with the practices defined by the Canadian Landscape Trades Association. Plant hardiness shall be Zone 3b or hardier. Artificial plant material is unacceptable.

Beds

Plant in defined planting beds with a minimum of 450 millimetres soil growing medium; provide mulch to inhibit weed growth and conserve moisture.

Watering

Plantings will require watering for an initial 2 – 3 year establishment period. Most planting will require a permanent, on-going watering program - an automated, low precipitation rate irrigation system is recommended.

Maintenance

Landscape development shall be maintained in accordance with accepted horticultural practices to establish and maintain high quality. Water regularly, prune and keep free of disease. Plant material that dies shall be promptly replaced with plant material of the same or similar characteristics.