The Government of Canada has acquired 19 hectares of land near Windsor to contribute to a proposed National Urban Park in the area. Meanwhile, closer to home, the Meewasin Valley Authority and partners are undergoing the same process…well, mostly.

Meewasin CEO Mike Velonas explains that there are a few differences between the opportunity in Windsor and the one here in Saskatoon.

“We are not changing the governance structure of the Meewasin Valley Authority in any way. Our local authority and autonomy remain in place with local parters, so control of development and projects and programminng all remain local.” There will also be no acquisition of land by the federal governemnt to support the park.

Velonas says establishing a National Urban Park here in Saskatoon would bring three main benefits; increased investment and visitors, additional funding from Parks Canada to improve the Meewasin valley, and being a part of a nation-wide network of NUPs.

“Meewasin is a leader, I think, nationally and beyond in what we do best, which is integrating natural systems into the urban fabric and creating these incredible spaces and places where people can connect with the land and with one another,” he explains. “This recognition, this designation, is the federal government and Parks Canada saying we recognize what you’re doing, we see you as leaders in this, and we want to be part of it.”

He says the parties are currently discussing the finer details, such as agreement language. He suspects there should be an agreement reached within the coming months.