RBC pumps money into Saskatoon's swale

One of Canadas big banks is investing in Saskatoon's northeast swale.

'Areas around the swale are quickly developing' Mike Velonas

RBC, as part of the banks Blue Water Project, is giving the Meewasin Valley Authority $30,000. The money will help pay, in part, for management of the swale, a biologically diverse 26-kilometer wetland that begins near the Silverspring neighbourhood and stretches north.

"We are hearing more about it now because Saskatoon is growing and growing quite quickly and the areas around the swale are quickly developing with housing and commercial and otherwise," said Mike Velonas, manager of planning and conservationfor the Meewasin Valley Authority.

Velonas suggests the northeast swale, the site of an ancient river bed, may someday be home to tens of thousands of people asthe cityexpands into the wetland. He believes it may one day be as valuable to the city as the South Saskatchewan River is today.

"The swale can be that same kind of thing, it will be different, it won't be a river but it can be that same kind of amenity that's recognized throughout the world as a defining feature of Saskatoon," Velonas said.

Meewasin not alone in efforts to maintain the vital wetland

Its the Meewasin Valley Authoritys responsibility to manage and help preserve the northeast swale, but its not the only group focused on the regions well being. This week the Northeast Swalewatchers met with an advisory committee at city hall. With so much development in the works, the Swalewatchers are trying to make sure the city maintains a global view of the wetland.

'Preserving it in its pristine state is very important' Richard Huziak

"It would be nice to see these plans work together as a group, and the city to work together as a unit to develop the swale," group member Richard Huziak said."It is a very special area and preserving it in its pristine state is very important."

Part of the money RBC is investing in the northeast swale will be used to help educate people about it. Both Meewasin and the Swalewatchers agree that educate is a key component is helping to preserve the biologically diverse wetland.