April Newsletter

Newsletter - April 15, 2024

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TOPICS INCLUDE:

Flood Control in Urban Communities
CCAP Update
Funding Available in SW Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Tree for Life
Watershed Wonders Kits
April Collegial Recognition
Welcome to the Team - New Staff

NEWSLETTER

April - 2024

Flood Control Strategies and Mitigation

for Urban Communities

Over the last 10-years, Saskatoon has experienced multiple flooding events, where people have experienced flooded and damaged homes, vehicles, and yards. The city became pro-active in finding ways to help with flood prevention. City of Saskatoon Administration were asked by council to identify the most flood-prone areas within the city. The city also created a city-wide storm system model to assist with potential flood mapping. Studies were done using the flood mapping and risk analysis to find the best and most cost-effective strategies to help with the flooding issues. They came up with a list of nine projects to address the ten most flood-prone areas within the City of Saskatoon, for example, the Circle Drive area, Landsdown Avenue and Dufferin Avenue, and First Street East intersections. These projects needed to be retrofitted for neighbourhoods that were built in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s and where park and recreation facilities would not be compromised.

With financial support from the federal government and a raise in the city’s Storm Utility Rate over 3 years, the City of Saskatoon was able to obtain $54 million to use. Then funds raised are earmarked for the nine projects of the Flood Control Strategy. Dry ponds, under-ground storage tanks, and upgraded storm sewers are the basis of these projects. Since construction on the projects began in 2021, three have been completed, with a fourth scheduled for this year. Already, the city’s citizens have seen a reduction in flooding issues within neighborhoods where completed projects exist.

According to climate model projections for the Canadian Prairies, we can expect warmer temperatures, increased precipitation, increased evapotranspiration during the summer and an increase in frequency and magnitude of extreme events. Projects, like the ones being constructed in the City of Saskatoon, will become important in urban planning in future years, helping communities build resiliency and adapt to extreme climate events and variability.

During the 2024 SAW Conference, Mitch McMann, PEng. gave a presentation about the projects in Saskatoon. Mr. McMann is the Storm Water Utility Manager for the City of Saskatoon and the lead for the city’s Flood Control Strategy projects. To view Mr. McMann’s complete presentation about the projects, please view our YouTube Channel using the link below.

View Mr. McMann's presentation here!

Climate Change Adaptation Planning (CCAP) Project Update

SAW, with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), is continuing to develop watershed-based climate change adaptation plans for Saskatchewan.

In Year 1 of the CCAP project, SAW held four community engagement meetings in the Northwest Watershed District, and the Northwest Watershed District Climate Change Adaptation Plan will be available this spring! SAW held three community engagement meetings in the Northeast Watershed District, with the final meeting in Yorkton on March 28, 2024.

SAW also completed one demonstration site and workshop at Aaron Gray’s farm near Langenburg, SK, where he showcased the Best Management Practices, or BMPs, that can be implemented by agriculture producers and communities, to help build resiliency to the impacts and effects of changing climatic conditions. Sharing on-the ground experiences and observations, like those on Aaron Grey’s operation, help us see the many benefits that implementing BMPs can provide. Using BMPs such as cover crops and rotational grazing, help maintain healthy soils and landscapes – which will be essential to adapting to a changing climate in the Canadian Prairies. There will be three demonstration sites and workshops in Year 2 of the CCAP project.

Planning for the Southeast Watershed District has begun. Meeting dates and locations will be shared soon! If you are interested in attending one of the meetings scheduled in the Southeast Watershed District, or have any questions related to the CCAP Project, please contact Samantha or Lydia for more information at ccap@saskwatersheds.ca.

We are excited to share the first climate change adaptation demonstration video from this series. This video showcases a regenerative agriculture demonstration workshop and field day that was held on July 19, 2023, in Langenburg, Saskatchewan with producer, Aaron Gray.

Saskatchewan Tree for Life Program

The 2024 Saskatchewan Tree for Life Program has begun! The Tree for Life Program began three years ago and continues to be an important part of SAW's programming. The program seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and raise funds to support water quality in our province.

Purchasing tree seedlings supports programming and projects that support healthy watersheds in Saskatchewan!

The Tree for Life Program will be accepting orders until May 17, 2024 – while supplies last!

Click Here to get your trees!

Watershed Wonders Kits

Watershed Wonders is a series of educational kits where kids can learn about the wet, wild, and wonderful world of their watershed. These kits were developed for students between the ages of 6-13+. However, any age group can use and enjoy the activities. SAW currently has “Beaver Trails and Cattails,” “My Watershed and Me,” and “Getting Our Feet Wet” kits in the Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, and Swift Current offices. Thanks to the generous funding from the City of Saskatoon, SAW is also excited to announce the launch of three new kits in the Saskatoon office. With the funding from the City of Saskatoon, SAW developed new versions of “Beaver Trails and Cattails” and “My Watershed and Me” and a brand-new kit called “Adventure Awaits.” “Adventure Awaits” is a set of ten adventure backpacks that can be borrowed by teachers, parents, and clubs for their next nature walk. If you are interested in borrowing a Watershed Wonders Kit or learning more, contact us at j.cadman@saskwatersheds.ca or visit the SAW website.

April

Collegial

Recognition!

Jennifer is a hard worker, and a great team player. She is always willing to help her team with their questions, and her attention to detail is strong.

Jennifer is a positive and enthusiastic person and she takes pride in her work putting in time and effort and always does a great job.

Welcome to the Team!

Jory Cadman - Watershed Education Coordinator

Hi! My name is Jory and I have been working with SAW since January, as the Education Coordinator.

I grew up in Saskatoon, and after high school made my way to Vancouver. I have a bachelor’s degree from Simon Fraser in Human & Environmental Geography, and a Master’s in Sustainable Environmental Management from the U of S.

For much of my twenties I travelled and worked as a tree-planter, before finding my way into the field of conservation and environmental education. I have worked at Wanuskewin, Parks Canada, and the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

In my spare time I love being outdoors and being active, and enjoy mountain biking, cyclocross, triathlon, running, and cross-country skiing. I am on the board of Saskatoon Cycles, and volunteer for various nature organizations. At home, I have a husband of two years, and a little black cat.

I have really enjoyed my time with SAW so far and working on Caring for Our Watersheds, and Watershed Wonders. I look forward to helping our education programs grow and am excited to be working with such a great team!