Natural Infrastructure Fund: Green Network Project

Saskatoon is one of six major cities to receive funding of up to $20 million from Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund – Large Project Stream to support the implementation of the City’s Green Network Project.

This funding provides a significant opportunity to advance the City's Green Infrastructure Strategy implementation plan,  Pathways for an Integrated Green Network, and its vision for an interconnected green network in Saskatoon that will achieve multiple benefits such as:

• improved access to nature for the community
• green space enhancements and habitat restoration
• climate mitigation and adaptation
• equity and reconciliation 

Project Activities

The Natural Infrastructure Fund: Green Network Project bundles together a range of natural infrastructure activities across Saskatoon to be implemented over two years for a total value of over $34 million. Refer to the map below for project activity locations.

1. Natural Areas Restoration

The following activities include management and restoration of existing areas, as well as the development and implementation of new management plans, policy recommendations and asset management improvements.

1.1. Management & Restoration

• Prairie restoration and accessibility in the Meewasin Valley (Meewasin-led)
• kīwētin Greenway landscaping (Aspen Ridge)
• Development of linear park and drainage channel in Aspen Ridge
• Naturalization of land between Aspen Ridge and U of S Kernen Prairie Conservation Research Lands (D10)
• Naturalization of storm pond and linear park in Kensington
• Naturalization of municipal reserve and storm pond in Brighton

1.2 Natural Area Management Plans ​​​

• Development of Natural Area Management Plans and site enhancements for priority natural areas

2. Park & Green Space Enhancements

The following activities include implementing enhancements and naturalization in parks and other green spaces throughout the city, as well as water conservation feasibility studies and pilot projects.

2.1 and 2.2 Park Enhancements & Naturalization

• Park upgrades, enhancements and repairs
• Park irrigation and naturalization study and pilot projects
• Non-potable water study and pilot projects

2.3 Naturalization: Non-Park Green Spaces

• Naturalization of the Dundonald Avenue Solar Farm site

3. Naturalized Water Retention Systems

The following activities include the expansion and enhancement of industrial storm water systems, as well as the design, installation and naturalization of constructed storm ponds.

3.1 Industrial Drainage Improvements

• Drainage improvements and naturalized plantings in the CN Industrial Area (Cartwright Pond and Culvert)

3.3 Constructed Storm Pond & Naturalization

• Naturalized retention pond at Regional Fire Training Facility

4. Streetscape Rejuvenation 

The following activities include streetscape and rights-of-way enhancements through tree planting, vegetation and pedestrian improvements.

4.1 Streetscape Rejuvenation

• 20^th Street Improvements (between Idylwyld Drive & 2^nd Avenue)
• Streetscape improvements in Business Improvement Districts

4.2 Rights-of-Way Enhancements & Naturalization

• McOrmond Drive Streetscape
• Tree planting in boulevards, medians and parks throughout the city

5. Revitalize and Establish Cultural & Community Spaces 

The following activities include the exploration of opportunities for cultural revitalization in green spaces, as well as the development of community-led stewardship.

5.1 Indigenous Engagements & Partnerships

• Work with Indigenous rightsholders and communities to explore opportunities for developing Indigenous ceremonial spaces

5.3 Food Forests

• Installation of Food Forest Demonstration Sites to grow food in parks

Project Map

The map below shows where the different green network project activities are taking place. The numbers noted in (parentheses) refer to the project activity categories above.