Meewasin reopens 3 rural canoe launches closed after budget crunch

Three popular river canoe launches near Saskatoon will remain open, just in time for the long weekend.

Earlier this year, the Meewasin Valley Authority had announced its plans to close the Fred Heal, Poplar Bluffs and Paradise Beach canoe launches after receiving a funding cut in the provincial budget.

However, due to popular demand, interim CEO Doug Porteous said the authority is committed to making the project work.

• Meewasin Valley Authority closing river access sites, reducing staff after budget cuts

"I've called in staff, who are basically just volunteering their time to make this happen," said Porteous. "People have contacted us that have been going out there and cleaning."

Meewasin was faced with a $443,000 funding shortfall after this year's provincial budget. In response, the conservation agency announced it would be closing down the three canoe launches, along with staff and program cuts.

Canoe launches to stay open

Porteous said the canoe launches will be able to stay open as long as the public continues to follow the rules. While a dumpster is available at Paradise Beach, Meewasin is asking the public to pack away any garbage they generate in the area.

People are also being ordered to not start any fires, as the area is very dry, and sparks can travel long distances. As well, tickets may be issued for alcohol use, as well as overnight parking, or parking on the shoulders of grid roads.

As well, Porteous said the river is higher and faster than usual, and people need to be careful around the water.

"It is not a lake," he said. "You can have a fast flow immediate to the shoreand deep. If you have children or pets, and one of them slips in there, they're gone."

Porteous expects the launches to be very busy this weekend.

"If we get good, hot weather, we'll have 1500 people out there on those sandbars, especially around Paradise Beach," he said.