Saskatoon

City of Saskatoon asks for input to improve access to the river

A survey has been launched to help figure out the wants and needs for on-water activity in the city.

Survey looking at wants and needs for water access

The City of Saskatoon has launched a survey to help figure out the best way to improve access to the river. (CBC)

The City of Saskatoon has launched a survey to help figure out the best way to improve access to the river.

"We have great facilities for getting to the water — trails and washrooms and picnic facilities and so on," Mike Velonas, manager of planning and conservation for the Meewasin Valley Authority, told CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. "But we don't have a lot of really great facilities to get onto the water."

Mike Velonas, manager of planning and conservation for the Meewasin Valley Authority, said a survey and open house will help the city know what the wants and needs are for on-water activity in the river. (CBC)

Using a survey, Velonas said, will help the city determine the wants and needs for on-water activity.

There are four main groups the city is considering as it looks at new facilities and rules for the water: recreational users of the river, commercial users, industrial users and emergency services.

Velonas said it's vital to make sure changes don't impede emergency services.

"The major issue for me is that more use means more potential for issues for conflict, and more demand for their services."

Along with the online survey, an open house is being held on Dec. 5 at the Meewasin Valley Centre Boardroom from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST.

With files from CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning