As more and more land is developed for residential and commercial use, natural areas and wildlife habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate. Conservation Subdivision Districts (CSDs) are a promising solution to help protect these important natural areas, while still allowing for new development in a responsible and sustainable way.
Recently, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas had the opportunity to attend a City Council meeting to voice my support for CSDs. The meeting was filled with concerned citizens and community advocates who all shared a passion for preserving the natural areas and species at risk in our community.
As the meeting began, we shared statistics and data to support the importance of CSDs. We explained how these districts help to preserve natural areas and provide habitat for endangered and threatened species. And also shared stories of other communities across North America, the Provinces of Manitoba and Nova Scotia that have successfully implemented CSDs as best practices, and the benefits that these areas have provided for both people and wildlife. From research done, many cities who engage in CSDs as pilot projects, continue to engage all future developments in the city as CSDs
When it was Swale Watchers, Meewasin, concerned citizens from the community, Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Society, and Saskatoon Nature Society turn to speak, they in turn shared their own experiences with the natural areas and wildlife in our community. They talked about how these areas provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and how they help to connect us to the natural world. They also explained how important it is to protect these areas for future generations, so that they too can experience the beauty and wonder of our natural world.
As the meeting continued, we were all encouraged to see that many of the council members were receptive to the message presented by the seven speakers, and the 42 letters of support for the environment. They asked questions, engaged in discussion, and seemed genuinely interested in finding a solution that would balance the needs of development with the needs of our natural areas and wildlife.
In the end, the City Council voted in favor of receiving more information in order to explore the concept of Conservation Subdivision Districts in our community. City Council, also expanded the preliminary boundary line for the swale. Four motions were made, and this was a huge win for those who had been advocating for this change, and it was a testament to the power of citizen action and community engagement.
Attending the City Council meeting was an empowering and inspiring experience. It showed me that by coming together as a community and advocating for what we believe in, we can make a real difference in protecting our natural areas and wildlife habitats. We encourage everyone to get involved in their own communities, attend meetings, and speak up for the issues that matter to them. Together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
To see the presentation regarding Conservation Subdivision Districts made by the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, the YouTube Link is online
The Power Point for the links to a short listing of communities who believe that this is a best practices approach and to view the Power Point PDF on ISSUU
The Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services meeting was February 8, 2023 Agenda Minutes Video
The City of Saskatoon Council meeting on February 22, 2023
Read the 42 letters of support; Agenda
Hear all the engaged presenters Video
Minutes will be online soon.
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. George Genereux Urban Regional Park. 