SASKATOON – Readers Digest called it one of the 10 greatest hikes in Canada in 2012 and this month, it was named one of 50 Places of a Lifetime: Canada by National Geographic.
Now the Meewasin Trail is set to expand.
The trail that currently wanders through the heart of Saskatoon along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River will be extended to Wanuskewin Heritage Park in the north to Chief Whitecap Park in the south.
It’s an undertaking that will cost eight-million dollars.
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On Thursday, the ‘Meewasin Matters’ campaign launched to raise the funds.
It got off to a strong start with two significant contributions.
The Trans Canada Trail is giving up to $1.6 million towards the expansion while PotashCorp chipped in $500,000.
“The Meewasin Valley Trail is an important natural resource of the South Saskatchewan River Valley that contributes to the physical fitness of Saskatchewan’s people and the enjoyment of our community while raising awareness of our environment,” said Lee Knafelc, VP of human resources at PotashCorp.
“The Meewasin/Trans Canada Trail is a stunning example of how a recreational trail can make a profound and lasting impact on the well-being of a community,” added Deborah Apps, CEO and president of Trans Canada Trail.
The Government of Saskatchewan has already committed $1.8 million to the project with the City of Saskatoon adding $900,000.
Another $2.1 million is needed to reach the campaign goal and extend the trail by another 16 kilometres along with adding new features and enhancements.
The campaign launch took place at the same time as a sod-turning to officially launch the construction of a new trail segment from the new Circle Drive South Bridge to Chief Whitecap Park.
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