[Ruckus]

Found some high resolution renderings on David Hutton's blog....


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A whitewater 'winner'
Hydro power, whitewater park feasible in weir redevelopment: study
By David Hutton, The StarPhoenix May 7, 2010 Comments (83)
Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/travel...#ixzz0nIgq2BBN

An Olympic-worthy whitewater rafting course, the largest adjustable standing river wave in the world for surfing and a hydroelectric facility at Saskatoon's weir are economically and environmentally viable, the preliminary study of the concept shows.

"We think we've got a winner," said Rod Neufeld, who's spearheading the hydroelectricity project for Saskatoon Light and Power.

The $65-million concept, which will go to city council Monday night, includes a $2.8-million pedestrian bridge across the river to divert foot traffic from the CP Rail train bridge, which officials consider unsafe by modern standards.

It would also allow spectators to watch kayakers manoeuvre a whitewater channel at the east bank, or university side, or surfers take on the river wave, which functions like a massive water treadmill complete with rapids where surfers ride on the spot.

The hyrdoelectric facility, studied in concert with the whitewater park, could generate power for between 1,650 and 4,750 homes depending on if the weir remains at the same height or is increased up to two metres by adding a rubber dam, the report says.

[...]

If approved Monday night, public consultations will be held in June before city council and the provincial government decide in August whether to spend $2 million to $4 million on design plans and more detailed assessments.

The provincial government would likely have to pick up the tab for the whitewater facility, while the city will seek grants to pay for at least half of the $50-million hydro station.

"We're still open to ideas," Neufeld said.

"The initial study looks good, but there needs to be more thought going forward."

dhutton@sp.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The StarPhoenix

Read more: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/travel...#ixzz0nIgvq22g

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I'm wondering about the University's position on this project. They've identified the land east of the Meewasin trail as Core land; "Core Lands will continue to serve as a resource in the University’s mission to provide excellence in teaching, research and community service" (College Quarter Master Plan, 2010). One could interpret the purpose of Core lands for any number of uses (see College Quarter as Core land). Surface parking anyone