River Access Study 2016 Online Survey and Public Open House

The City of Saskatoon, in partnership with Meewasin Valley Authority (MVA), is conducting a river access study. The purpose of the study is to identify the river access requirements for Saskatoon residents, visitors, commercial enterprises, on-river special events, industrial users, emergency services, and monitoring services. The primary focus will be on facilities for launching and mooring motorized and non-motorized watercraft; however, it will address all forms of river access.

The South Saskatchewan River is a valuable recreation access for Saskatoon and area residents and visitors. In the Saskatoon area, it is utilized for a number of activities, including:

Recreation: motorized boaters, canoeists, kayakers, rowers, and paddle boarders
Commercial/Industrial: tour boats, dredging, construction, and other barges
Regulatory and Emergency Services: police and fire services, water quality, environmental issues, and other monitoring
These users require safe, environmentally-sound access to the river with appropriate infrastructure.

As part of the study, citizens are invited to participate in an online survey to gather input on current launching/mooring opportunities and ideas on an optimal scenario. Interested parties can access the survey at shapingsaskatoon.ca. The survey is open until Thursday, December 15, 2016.

There will also be a public open house on Monday, December 5, 2016, at the Meewasin Valley Centre Boardroom (402 Third Avenue South) from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The City and MVA will present the plan, answer questions, and collect feedback. Formal presentations will take place at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.