Wesley A. Wenhardt

Meewasin Valley Authority

• • • • •

Heritage Resources Coordinator

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

1983-1985                                           

Meewasin Valley Authority

miýwâsin is nȇhiyawȇwin/Cree for ‘it is beautiful’ 

Meewasin is a non-profit organization that exists to ensure a healthy and vibrant river valley, with a balance between human use and conservation, for the benefit of present and future generations, in Saskatoon & area. It is made up of numerous conservation areas, canoe launches, interpretive centres (Meewasin Valley Centre, Beaver Creek Conservation Area and Saskatoon Natural Grasslands),

Meewasin is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving the cultural and natural resources of the South Saskatchewan River Valley. It is the means by which the three participating parties (City of Saskatoon, Government of Saskatchewan, and University of Saskatchewan) have chosen to best manage the Meewasin Valley in the South Saskatchewan River Basin.  Meewasin is based on the concept that the partners working through a single agency – Meewasin – can accomplish more than they could individually. A 100 year conceptual master plan was created by Raymond Moryiama.

The Meewasin Valley offers over 90 kms of trails across 67 square kms of land. It provides year-round recreation and wonderful sightseeing opportunities in the heart of Saskatoon and beyond. Well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog, cross-country ski, or walk the riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which stretches almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast.

The Marr Residence

Themarr.ca

  • Oversaw all aspects of the designation, preservation and restoration of the oldest house in Saskatoon.

The Marr Residence is a National Historic Site located in the Nutana neighbourhood of SaskatoonSaskatchewan, close to the banks of the and was part of the original temperance colony that predated the city. Built in 1884 for stonemason Alexander “Sandy” Marr, it is the oldest building in Saskatoon on its original site. It was one of several houses requisitioned as a field hospital to treat wounded soldiers during the North-West Rebellion in 1885, who arrived by river boat.  When the hospital was closed in 1885 the home was returned to the Marr family. Although they left Saskatoon in 1889, the Marr family name remained associated with the house. The house remained a residential property until the 1970s. The  Marr  Residence was designated a municipal heritage property on January 11, 1982. It is noted for its blend of Second Empire and pioneer architecture, particularly its Mansard roof. The building is currently owned by the City of Saskatoon. On July 4, 2016, the Marr Residence was designated a National Historic Site.

 

Wanuskewin Heritage Park

wanuskewin.com

Wanuskewin/ Cree for ‘at peace with oneself’

A national historic site with over 6,000 years of human habitation containing, buffalo kill sites, teepee rings and a Medicine Wheel boulder alignment,  located 5 km from the City of Saskatoon within the Meewasin Valley,

In partnership with the Meewasin Valley Authority and the City of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park became a Provincial Heritage Property in 1983.

In 1987, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II declared it a National Historic Site, and in 1992 the Interpretive Centre and trails were opened to the public. Current plans are seeking a UNESCO World Heritage Designation for Wanuskewin.

  • Responsible for the national designation of the site and the original archaeological survey by Dr. Ernie Walker, University of Saskatchewan
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