RIVER LANDING PH. I RIVERFRONT: Meewasin is the Project Manager for the River Landing Ph. I Riverfront development. The riverfront site is fenced to restrict public access and for safety. These restrictions will remain in effect until the riverwalk can be opened summer 2006.

This work will include completion of the river walk and pedestrian bridge, site furnishing and lighting, the construction of an amphitheatre, water play feature, pavilion and soft landscaping. The project is partially funded by the Government of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon, and Meewasin Valley Authority.

SOUTH WEST TRAIL EXTENSION: During the summer of 2004 Meewasin constructed a trail linkage through the existing Meewasin trail, south along Spadina Crescent West, across Spadina and into the former Sanatorium site. This trail extension is intended to provide an important neighborhood linkage from the Holiday Park community to the Meewasin Valley.

MEEWASIN ANNOUNCES WALK AND ROLL THE SASKPOWER KILOMETRE

June 10, 2005

SASKATOON, SK - Residents of Saskatoon can now "walk and roll" in the northeast part of the city thanks to a $100,000 donation to the Meewasin Valley Authority by SaskPower.

Hon. David Forbes, Minister Responsible for the Environment joined SaskPower officials and representatives from the City of Saskatoon, Meewasin, residents of Holiday Park and students from King George School for a ceremonial trail walk to celebrate the completion of the SaskPower Kilometre Meewasin Trail Extension, a project of Meewasin's 'Cameco Trails Campaign'. The new trail extension begins at Victoria Park along Spadina Crescent with a backshore link through the Sanatorium Site to Holiday Park.

In addition to its financial contribution, SaskPower has also donated a voluntary easement on 1.8 acres on the east side of the river for the purpose of accommodating future Meewasin Trail development.

Minister Forbes says that the SaskPower Kilometre will improve public access to the riverbank and improve the quality of life for all Saskatoon residents. Says Forbes, "SaskPower is committed to environmental stewardship, and very proud of its partnership with Meewasin. This trail extension will help to protect the precious and increasingly fragile natural resources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley, to the benefit of all residents of Saskatoon."

Susan Lamb says that the completion of the SaskPower Kilometre and the backshore link is significant - not only to residents of the Holiday Park community, but to residents in other parts of Saskatoon, as well. Says MVA rep, "This extension connects residents to the Forestry Farm, the University, and other parts of Saskatoon, as well. We wish to thank SaskPower for their dedication to this significant project, because without their involvement, Meewasin could not carry out the critical conservation work."

"I offer sincere congratulations to Meewasin and the many volunteers and supporters who are responsible for making the green space in Saskatoon beautiful, plentiful and accessible for the entire community to enjoy," said Forbes.

The Meewasin Valley Authority is a conservation organization dedicated to conserving the natural and cultural resources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. Over one million visits are made to the Meewasin Trail each year.

NORTH EAST TRAIL EXTENSION: The trail linkage from the intersection of Central Avenue and Attridge Drive along the north side of Circle Drive, through Sutherland Beach, and linking to existing pathways at Circle Drive Bridge. This trail extension is intended to provide trail access to the Forestry Farm Park and Zoo and the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands. Retaining wall...

NORTH WEST SEATING NODES: Meewasin installed 7 seating nodes/rest stations along the Meewasin trail between the Riverworks Weir project and Meewasin Park North in 2004. The seating nodes will provide rest stations approximately every 750 metres along the trail. Benches and plant materials will be available for sponsorship through our donations program.

ROTARY PARK: The restoration of an area or Rotary Park that was affected by a land slump in 1999 began this past fall. Meewasin will coplete the work by installing site furnishings along the trail. The project is cost shared by the City and Meewasin.

Rotary Park before construction

Rotary Park after construction

GABRIEL DUMONT PARK MEMORIAL FOREST: Meewasin plans to continue planting the memorial forest at Gabriel Dumont Park. 5,000 trees and shrubs including the installation of several beds are targeted for construction this year.

VIMY MEMORIAL – SOD LAYING: Meewasin worked with the City and the Kiwanis Clubs of Saskatoon to extend the promenade from Spadina Crescent at 20th Street to and around the Vimy Memorial ending at the Meewasin trail. The work also included the construction of a low planter wall suitable for sitting. Plant materials include heritage shrubs, perennials and annuals that would have been grown in Canada and Europe at the time of the First World War to contribute to a heritage theme. The construction began in late September 2004 and was completed by the middle of October 2004 prior to freeze up.

BCCA UPGRADES: Over the past couple of months Meewasin Crews as well as contractors have been working hard at a makeover for Beaver Creek Conservation Area both inside and out.

New carpets throughout theatre, washroom renovation complete with new fixtures, fixtures that were installed are low water usage, replaced all fixture in washroom for energy efficiency including lights. Replaced light bulbs throughout building to a more energy efficient bulb. Office shelving and relaminated the welcome desk.

Outside removed paint from exterior of building, stair replacement, in the process of removing all creosote products from the site, creating a new portion to the blue trail.