A series of virtual public focus groups are being scheduled in July so residents, landowners, and stakeholders can share their thoughts on environmental considerations they would like to see reflected in the functional planning of the Saskatoon Freeway.
Because of current restrictions on large in-person gatherings due to COVID-19, we will be hosting three online sessions; each event has been designed for a specific audience.
Dates/audience focus:
- July 20, 6:00 to 8:00pm – General public
- July 21, 2:00 to 4:00pm – Environmental organizations
- July 21, 6:00 to 8:00pm – General public
All focus groups will include a presentation on environmental research already completed along the freeway corridor, as well as discussion of potential mitigation/offset efforts regarding vehicle noise, wildlife movement, natural wetland drainage, roadway lighting and other environmental impacts – including where the freeway passes through the ecologically sensitive Northeast Swale and Small Swale close to the extension of Central Avenue.
To sign up, please send an email to info@saskatoonfreeway.org with your name, email address, street address/land location, and telephone number. If you are attending as a member of the general public, please identify your first and second choices for the focus group dates. If you are attending as part of an environmental organization, please identify your affiliation.
Only individuals who pre-register will be able to attend a meeting; attendance at each session will be capped at 15 participants to encourage meaningful dialogue. Sessions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional sessions may be added if interest warrants.
Summaries of focus group discussions will be shared at saskatoonfreeway.org so all residents, landowners and stakeholders can stay informed.
These public focus groups will complement the expert environmental insights that the freeway functional planning study team already receives from the members of the Environmental and Heritage Technical Working Group (TWG), which includes Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Meewasin Valley Authority, and the City of Saskatoon.