Green Horizon Unveiled: Saskatoon’s Environmental Meetings

In a bid to champion environmental leadership, Saskatoon stands at the forefront of innovation with upcoming committee meetings that promise to shape a sustainable future for our city. The Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services (EUCS) on January 9 and the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development, and Community Services (PDCS) on January 10 will be the stages for groundbreaking discussions that showcase Saskatoon’s commitment to environmental excellence.

Image taken by Shweetha Gopinath, eco-photographer

EUCS Meeting – January 9, 2024:

On this date, the committee will review a pivotal Approval Report for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. Proposed enhancements, funded through the Natural Infrastructure Fund’s Green Network Project, include five new tree beds with 1,800 native trees, an upgraded dirt trail to a crusher dust trail, two new waste bins, and a swing gate at the southeast parking lot. These improvements aim to address site challenges and offer numerous benefits. The project’s construction is slated for the 2024 season.

PDCS Meeting – January 10, 2024:

A significant Information Report on the Natural Areas Policy Framework takes center stage during this meeting. Shaped by community feedback, the report outlines a comprehensive plan with tools such as a Natural Areas Policy, screening administrative procedures, mapping and prioritization tools, and more. The city administration plans to engage stakeholders in 2024 for a detailed exploration of these tools, paving the way for approval and adoption by the relevant committees and City Council.

Your Invitation to Participate:

We extend a warm invitation to all citizens to engage in these crucial discussions by tuning into the live streams for both meetings at 9:30 AM. This is your chance to witness Saskatoon’s eco-friendly initiatives in action and contribute to the city’s environmental legacy. As Saskatoon sets an inspiring example for others to follow, let’s collectively shape a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.

Stay informed, stay involved, and be a part of Saskatoon’s journey towards a brighter, greener horizon.

For More Information:

• [Link to SPC on EUCS Agenda]
• [Link to SPC on PDCS Agenda]

• Natural Infrastructure Fund [NIF]
• Natural Infrastructure Fund: Green Network Project

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!

Green Horizon: Saskatoon’s Afforestation Areas in the Spotlight

Saskatoon is on the brink of a green revolution, and the heart of this transformation beats within the 326-acre expanse of the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. As proud stewards of this natural haven, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas have thrilling news to share—a beacon of hope for our beloved green spaces.

In a resounding affirmation of Saskatoon’s commitment to sustainability, the city has secured substantial funding for Green Infrastructure projects, ushering in a new era for our urban landscapes. The Natural Infrastructure Fund has earmarked over $20 million to amplify the Green Network Project, a visionary initiative poised to enrich the quantity and quality of our city’s natural infrastructure.

What makes this development even more exciting for us is the inclusion of the pilot master plan for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. This 132-hectare haven, home to diverse ecosystems and a cherished retreat for Saskatoon residents, is set to undergo a transformation that aligns harmoniously with the Green Infrastructure Strategy Implementation Plan. This comprehensive strategy outlines a roadmap for enhancing urban environments and elevating our quality of life.

As advocates for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, we invite you to mark your calendars for the October 3 Standing Policy Committee on Environment, Utilities, and Corporate Services (EUCS) meeting livestreamed at 9:30 am CST. This meeting holds the key to unveiling the exciting plans and developments that will shape the future of our green spaces.

The significance of this funding, highlighted in recent publications by Global News, CKOM, Construct Connect, and Canada.ca, cannot be overstated. It’s a commitment from both the city and the federal government to create a sustainable and vibrant Saskatoon for generations to come.

As we eagerly anticipate the outcomes of the EUCS meeting, let us stand together as advocates for our green spaces. The pilot master plan for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is not just a blueprint; it’s a promise to protect, manage, and restore our natural assets and ecosystems.

Stay tuned for updates as we navigate this exciting chapter in the story of Saskatoon’s green legacy. Join us in celebrating the city’s dedication to creating spaces that enrich our lives and nurture our connection with nature. The Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is not just a haven; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when communities and nature coexist in harmony.

Image taken by Shweetha Gopinath, eco-photographer

Image taken by Shweetha Gopinath, eco-photographer

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

Saskatoon’s Green Legacy Blooms: Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area Gets a Boost

In a resounding victory for Saskatoon’s green spaces, the federal government has unveiled a transformative investment in the city’s Green Infrastructure projects. Among the beneficiaries of this substantial funding is the iconic Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, a 132-hectare oasis nestled in the heart of Saskatoon. As proud advocates and stewards of this natural haven, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas are elated to share this momentous news.

The Green Network Project, a visionary initiative aimed at enhancing the city’s natural infrastructure, secured funding that includes a pivotal pilot master plan for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area. The announcement, made on September 28, 2023, positions Saskatoon as one of six Canadian cities to benefit from this federal investment in green initiatives.

This funding, facilitated through Infrastructure Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund, marks a pivotal chapter in the city’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation. The Green Network Project, with a total value exceeding $34 million, will breathe new life into various natural assets across Saskatoon, including parks, urban forests, and natural areas.

As advocates for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas recognize the significance of the pilot master plan for this cherished space. The plan, included in the Pathways for an Integrated Green Network, sets the stage for the preservation, management, and restoration of the area’s natural assets and ecosystems.

Reports indicate that the Green Network Project aims not only to protect and enhance natural assets but also to support community activities such as recreation, education, cultural uses, and food production. This aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas, who tirelessly work towards ensuring the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area remains a haven for both nature and the community.

In addition to celebrating this triumph, the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas express gratitude to the federal government and the city for their commitment to green infrastructure. This investment is a testament to the collaborative efforts aimed at creating a sustainable and vibrant Saskatoon for current and future generations.

The Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas encourage the community to stay engaged and informed as the Green Network Project unfolds. The pilot master plan for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is a testament to the city’s dedication to preserving its green legacy, and the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas look forward to playing an active role in this transformative journey.

For more details on Saskatoon’s Green Infrastructure projects and the Green Network Project, visit the official City of Saskatoon website

Together, let’s nurture and protect Saskatoon’s green legacy for the benefit of all.

[1] Global News [2] CKOM [3] ConstructConnect [4] Office of Infrastructure Canada

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