Planning is based on the following principles;

Meewasin’s underlying theme is resource conservation. It manages a number of conservation areas for the purpose of enhancing biodiversity. It also receives applications for development in the conservation zone. Any development in the conservation zone costing more than $25,000 must be approved by Meewasin.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Province of Saskatchewan, one looks at Meewasin accomplishments over the past 25 years as an innovative provincial institution. Meewasin continues to have success that reverberates provincially, nationally and internationally. Although its mandate is in Saskatoon and the Rural Municipality of Corman Park, it is a product of provincial legislation and its work provides leadership beyond its borders.

A highlight of 2004/2005 is that Meewasin was recognized as one of the top four river agencies in the world for a Thiess River Prize in Brisbane, Australia. Many of Meewasin’s accomplishments are most important when you cannot see that it has been there. The State of the Valley Report suggests Meewasin is meeting its conservation objectives of balance, health and vibrancy, including “no net loss of habitat in the river valley”.

Meewasin has enjoyed 25 years of stewardship in the valley with successes in all areas of its mandate. In that time, it has conserved and developed about 250 hectares while balancing development with conservation and education. It has developed more than 60 km of the Meewasin Trail as well as the Meewasin Valley Centre, Beaver Creek Conservation Area Centre, Cranberry Flats, Wanuskewin, Gabriel Dumont Park, Paradise Beach, Meewasin Park, Victoria Park, the Forestry Farm Link, and the Fred Heal and Poplar Bluffs Canoe Launches.

Each year thousands of students and the general public visit Meewasin’ interpretive centres as well as the prairie grasslands in Saskatoon. Meewasin canoe tours provide an opportunity to learn about the river from the river and experience the sights and sounds of 100 years ago.

Garbiel Dumont Park is one of Saskatchewan’s most interesting and unique riverbank parks. The park was name in 1985 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Northwest Resistance. Prior to 1979, the park was a dump site. For over 20 years Meewasin developed the parkland to accommodate recreation and wildlife. Local contractors donated over 16,000 truckloads of fill to the project. In the summer of 2001, the park was transferred to the City of Saskatoon. The Meewasin cost for this park development is value at $5 million, but the value to the city is incalculable.

Designated as an Environmental Reserve, the park celebrates the Metis culture. It offers play structures, picnic pads, barbecues, washrooms, parking lot, trails and a canoe launch. An interpretive marsh has been completed, and the trees and shrubs provide a refuge for wildlife. Meewasin’s first Memorial Forest program provides for 12,000 square meters of new forest in time for Saskatchewan’s 100th Anniversary.

Meewasin was incorporated in 1979 by the Meewasin Valley Authority Act. It is a registered charity governed by a 12 member Board, and has a Chief Executive Officer with managers responsible for four departments; Operations, Resource Planning, Design & Development, and Community Development. It has a staff of 22 increasing to 40 in the summer. 65% of its annual $3 million budget comes from statutory funding. The major portion of the balance comes from the public and private sector. Meewasin implements the “Meewasin 100 Year Development Plan” through the regulation of development.

The 12 member Board is made up of representatives from the three participating parties: the City of Saskatoon, the Province of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan. Each department has advisory committees made up of volunteers from the community. Members of the committees are appointed for a two year term. Following two years committee members are eligible for reappointment a final two years.

Meewasin is a non-profit organization with 65% of its budget coming from statutory funding. The major portion of the balance comes from the public and private sector to support its conservation, development and education initiatives through ongoing fund development programs and capital campaigns. Public ownership and involvement comes through planned giving, grant application, service club support, direct mailer and sponsors and donors sponsoring trees, bricks, benches and other amenities in the valley. The general public, business and corporation support Meewasin due to the following;

Meewasin believes it has succeeded in its mandate when you cannot see that it has been there. Its objectives reflect the vision and include such priorities as no net loss of habitat and policies on development. In addition to annual programs to reduce invasive species and protect natural areas, Meewasin has been able to sign conservation easements to protect certain lands in perpetuity.

As Meewasin enters is second quarter century, it has been recognized as one of the top four river agencies in the world for a Thiess River prize. Recently it has been working on the Riverfront at Saskatoon’s south downtown, the most exciting riverbank project in the city’s 100 year history. A newly established shoreline will add 1.5 acres of riverfront space that Meewasin will develop into an urban park.

In 2005/06 Meewasin will continue to develop the Riverfront. It will plant trees and shrubs. It will complete more trail. It will work with the city to develop a comprehensive off leash dog plan and will continue to support the conservation easement program. Meewasin will continue to provide leadership in the management of resources through special projects including Partners for the Saskatchewan River Basin and Road Map 2020. It will continue to educate on the natural and cultural history of Saskatoon and area at its interpretive centers and prairie grasslands, integrating the impact of climate change and the need for water conservation.

Meewasin’s success this past year and before would not be possible without the volunteers, friends, sponsors and supporters. Saskatoon and area has a beautifully conserved Meewasin Valley providing public access because of the great vision of our forebearers. Meewasin continues to have success in all areas of its mandate because of the support of the community. Meewasin has entered the 26th year of the Moriyama 100-Year Plan. It is important for all to nurture and support the Meewasin concept; it is one of the greatest legacies that we can pass on to now and future generations.

Doug Porteous writes for the Meewasin Valley Authority of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. For more information, visit their website at www.meewasin.com. Photo #2 credit City of Saskatoon.

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