Calgary Weir Project

Calgary is at work now on changing the weir on the Bow River. The new design will allow for passage of boats and fish, and will make what was a very dangerous weir into a safe place. Anyone who accidentally falls in at this location on the Bow will not inevitably drown--as was the case in the past.


This is not comparable to the white water project proposed for Saskatoon's weir. For one thing, our weir is not easily accessible by boaters or swimmers. Our weir does not regularly drown people, though it can, of course, be hazardous--just like the river itself, with it's eddies and undercurrents.

The cost of the Calgary project was originally pegged at 6.4 million. That cost has now risen to a whopping 17 million.


Proponents of the artificial white-water proposal for Saskatoon's weir say it will cost 5 million (plus a mere 42 million for the proposed hydro dam. How realistic is this?


And how will this affect what is right now a contemplative spot? Today the weir is a relaxing place, where people come to watch the pelicans fish; where couples come to kiss or argue, to plan their weddings and their divorces; where commuters stop to eat a quick burger while watching the water course over the weir; where joggers stretch as they prepare to run along the river bank.


Is it a good idea to make more of our river into a playground? Do we need or want a paddling pool for white-water enthusiasts who don't feel like shooting down real rapids?


What's next, bungee jumping from the railway bridge?

The Calgary website about the Bow River project (named the Harvie Passage after a local philanthropist) admits that the "unnatural" congregation of pelicans at their weir will end with the construction of the new design. Proponents of the Saskatoon white water playground aren't saying much about bird habitat these days.

What do we want, pelicans or a paddling playground? So far there has been limited public debate about this. We at Pelican Watch think it's time to get talking.