Saskatoon swale could become environmental reserve

A large section of wilderness in Saskatoon's northeast could be getting some added protection.

On Monday afternoon, a city committee recommended looking into environmental reserve status for the Northeast Swale.

"Generations to come will thank us if we give this a designation," said Mayor Charlie Clark. "It's a special opportunity to do something."

• Northeast swale plan back before Saskatoon council

The Northeast Swale is a 26-kilometre section of wetlands and grasslands, and environmentalists say it's an important area for Saskatoon's ecosystem.300hectares lie within the city limits.

Having gotten, arguably, some of the big things wrong, we now have an opportunity and an obligation to get the small but critical things right.- CandaceSavage,wilderness advocate

However, the area is under significant strain. The under-construction North Commuter Parkway will cut through the area, and naturalists worry about the effects of encroaching houses.

The committee is also recommending that a broad cross-section of groups, from the grassroots Northeast Swale Watchers to the Meewasin Valley Authority, form a working group .

"You guys are making me very happy," said wilderness advocate Candace Savage. "Having gotten, arguably, some of the big things wrong, we now have an opportunity and an obligation to get the small but critical things right."

Speaking to the committee, conservationists raised a number of concerns about the current plan for the swale, including the need for dark sky buffer zones and crossing areas for small mammals.

Savage said the current downturn in home building is a perfect time for the city to take another look at protecting the swale.

"We know how hard it is to think long-term when things are hot," she said. "We have a moment where we can think a bit more long-term, because we don't have dollar signs in our eyes."

City council still needs to vote on the recommendations.