Watch above: The Meewasin Valley Authority Friday unveiled the new link from Saskatoon to Federal Heritage Park, Wanuskewin. Meaghan Craig puts her best foot forward and brings us the story.
SASKATOON – A momentous day on the eve of “International Trail Day.” After two years, a path linking the City of Saskatoon and a national heritage site is now open just in time for summer.
On Friday, celebrations began with a traditional grass dance as delegates and officials honoured the opening of a new path that leads to new horizons.
“By linking the City of Saskatoon with Wanuskewin Heritage Park the portion of the trail today, Meewasin Trail/Trans Canada trail will allow individuals to run, walk or bike from city limits to Wanuskewin sweeping valley views,” said Jennifer Campeau, minister of central services.
Eight kilometers of new trail has been added for those wanting to access the national treasure that is Wanuskewin in a different way taking in the wide open landscape at the same time.
“With the connection of this trail, the expanding of the city, the growth of the surrounding communities of Wanuskewin,” said Candace Wasacase-Lafferty.
“Wanuskewin is becoming the heart of Saskatoon, this trail is just one more addition to that.”
READ MORE: City may open public parks up to private businesses
Another eight kilometers will be added to the trail’s southeast side going from Chief Whitecap Park, for a total of 80 kilometres of footpath at a cost of $8-million.
The portion revealed Friday is also part of the Trans Canada Trail, helping to connect the country from coast to coast.
“It’s about diversity, it’s about sharing our Canadian experience, it’s about economic drivers and it’s about protecting green space and allowing people to be active and to be healthy,” said Deborah Apps, Trans Canada Trail president and CEO.
Along with interested parties, the Meewasin Valley Authority says it was able to construct the trails for significantly less than the actual cost and will put it’s best foot forward on the existing trail.
“Certainly Meewasin has a focus on building and improving the existing infrastructure. We know that the carrying capacity of the trail is being stressed at this point,” said Lloyd Isaak, CEO of Meewasin Valley Authority.
“We’re very popular, we’re one of the most popular trails in North America and we know we need to focus on that. We finally received some money from the City of Saskatoon to begin to address that long-standing issue.”
According to Isaak, that work is expected to begin this summer.
Comments