Although postponed by the Covid-19 pandemic, work on upgrading the Kiwanis Memorial Park South section of Meewasin Trail is now complete.

Ward 9 City Councilor Bev Dubois says upgrades as part of this project include widened trails, increased lighting, and enhanced safety measures, as well as the ability to accommodate higher user volumes.

“Safety is a huge priority all over the city, especially downtown. That aligns huge with this project to ensure that we are safe, and folks can enjoy the trail in a comfortable, safe way.”

She adds that this project is only phase one of four, which will eventually enhance the trails leading from the Delta Bessborough north to the University Bridge.

“It totally entails the vision of the Meewasin Strategic Plan, and the vision of (Raymond) Moriyama many, many years ago, of creating a greenspace for everyone to enjoy. As I always say, no matter how old you are, the colour of your skin, where you live, everyone enjoys Meewasin Trail.”

Dubois expects this expansion project to draw more tourism and nature enthusiasts to the city, as the Meewasin Trails are already recognized internationally.

“We are really known world-wide. Meewasin has received world-wide awards…It makes our city beautiful. It makes our city inviting, and it’s just a huge part of what Saskatoon and area is.”