Canadian Heritage River System designation

Canadian Heritage River System designation

After 20 years of collaboration & perseverance, the full length of the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta has at last been recognized as a Canadian Heritage River.The Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS) is a national program that supports and acknowledges rivers of value to Indigenous peoples and Canadians. The program allows for dynamic and diverse ways of engaging with and caring for the river that include: the natural, cultural, spiritual, and historical.

View of the North Saskatchewan River near Frog Lake.

LINKS

Designation Document

Appendix A - Maps Package

Appendix B - Letters of Support

Appendix C - Indigenous Engagement Report

Appendix D - Public Engagement Report  

Appendix E - Tourism Report  

Appendix F - Heritage Research Study  

Appendix G - Legislative/Jurisdictional Scan

What We Heard Report (2021)

Nomination Document (2021)

Finally Getting Its Due: The North Saskatchewan Receives Heritage River Designation - A Two-Decade Journey

Read the backstory of the North Sask's CHRS designation
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Project Details

NSWA and Smoky Lake County partnered to bring this project to life with the support of Parks Canada, the Government of Alberta, EPCOR, Treaty 6, Treaty 7, Treaty 8 and the Métis Nation of Alberta, along with the expert guidance of O2 Planning & Design.

On March 22nd, 2024 the entire Alberta stretch of the North Saskatchewan River/ kisiskâciwani-sîpiy/ Omaka-ty was officially designated as a Canadian Heritage River for its cultural heritage and recreational values. 

Ongoing oversight for gathering and reporting on various aspects of the river will be led by the NSWA and Smoky Lake County.