Released on May 22, 2012
The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with the Meewasin Valley Authority to build new trails and improve existing ones.
The Meewasin Valley Authority is committed to conserving the South Saskatchewan River Valley's natural and cultural heritage in Saskatoon and surrounding area. It also develop opportunities that might improve visitors' experiences in the valley.
The reallocated funds will support adding almost 14 kilometres of new trails - a northwest portion from 71st Street to Wanuskewin Heritage Park (a non-profit interpretive centre that teaches visitors about First Nations history and culture) and a southeast portion from Gabriel Dumont Park through Chief Whitecap Park (located south of Saskatoon on Cartwright Street and bordered by the South Saskatchewan River).
"This reallocation of funds will have a positive effect on Saskatchewan residents and visitors to Saskatoon," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "These trails promote healthy, active families by encouraging people to walk, bike and ski. Through this initiative the Meewasin Valley Authority continues to ensure that Saskatchewan residents enjoy vibrant, high quality lives."
This agreement replaces the original Building Communities Program (BCP) agreement for the development of the Meewasin Valley Centre at River Landing announced in 2007. Designs for the Meewasin Valley Centre renovation were made, but the Authority did not have the required funds to complete the project.
In 2011, the authority requested the province revise the original BCP agreement. They asked that the remainder of the funding not used on the Meewasin Valley Centre design be reallocated to enhance Meewasin Valley trails. Approximately $127,000 will be spent on the centre design, while the remainder of the funds will be spent on improving trails. The Meewasin Valley Centre will continue to act as the trail hub.
The funding amount will not exceed $1.7 million, the amount originally agreed upon.
"We are so excited that the Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with the Meewasin Valley Authority to help us enhance our trails system," Meewasin Valley Authority CEO Susan Lamb said. "Not only will new, improved trails allow people to more easily access all the river valley has to offer, they help keep the river valley healthy by encouraging people to use environmentally-friendly transportation."
"The reallocation of funds is so valuable to enhancing the Meewasin Valley's trails system," Meewasin Valley Authority Board Chair Jack Vicq said. "Improving the river valley's trails system will not only help us attract more visitors, but will make it easier for them to walk or bike from place to place."
The Meewasin Trails Enhancements project is underway and should be completed by 2014.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152