PRESIDENT - March 1, 2024 - M. Asmuss - , MCEd., B.A. Hon.

Candidate We understand that the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure has asked Saskatoon City Council to endorse the Functional Study for Phase 2 of the proposed Saskatoon Freeway. [...] The impact of the proposed highway will WEBSITE cause irreparable damage to both of these valuable natural areas, as www.environmentalsociety.ca is indicated in the Functional Planning Study just released by the Ministry MAIL of Highways: “Phase 2 crosses critical environmentally sensitive areas at PO Box 1372 Saskatoon SK S7K 3N9 the Small Swale and Northeast Swale. [...] Special care was taken with the design of McOrmond Drive where it crosses the Northeast Swale, and Council recently established pre-development boundaries for both the Northeast and Small Swales as part of the planning for the proposed University Heights 3 neighbourhood. [...] Given that the Biological Assessment and the Functional Planning Study for Phase 2 of the Saskatoon Freeway demonstrate that irreversible harm would befall the Northeast and Small Swales—two of Saskatoon’s most valuable and valued natural areas—if the project proceeds as planned, we urge the City NOT to endorse the Functional Planning Study for Phase 2 of the Saskatoon Freeway. [...] Recognizing that the ultimate authority over where, when, or if this project is completed lies with the province, rather than with the City of Saskatoon, we urge the City to call on the Government of Saskatchewan to choose a route for the Saskatoon Freeway that does not intrude on the Swales and to guarantee that the project will be subject to a thorough, impartial Environmental Impact Assessment.