SASKWATER COMMENCES CRITTERS ON THE CREEK

SaskWater has teamed up with Moose Jaw Creek Watershed Association and Prince Arthur Community School to promote stewardship of the Moose Jaw River watershed and teach students the wonders of this local ecosystem. Two hundred and forty-eight students joined in the SaskWater Critters on the Creek Program, held at the Kiwanis River Park at Wakamow Valley in Moose Jaw, today.

"I am pleased that SaskWater is a partner in the Critters on the Creek initiative," Minister responsible for SaskWater Peter Prebble said, during the lunch barbeque provided for the students. "Teaching youth the importance of maintaining healthy shorelines and protecting water quality keeps young people connected to the natural world on which we all depend, and will aid in the preservation of wildlife habitat and water resources."

Students spent the day participating in various activity stations led by watershed stewards, and marking neighbourhood storm drains as part of the Yellow Fish Road program, which is a national initiative led by Trout Unlimited Canada. Olympic athlete Michael Mintenko, who partnered with SaskWater in 2004 while training for the Athens Olympics, helped conduct the nature walk component of the Critters on the Creek program.

"This type of interactive learning teaches our students to become involved in community issues and to make positive decisions about the environment," Prince Arthur school principal Wayne Wolsfeld said. "The opportunity to once again meet with role model Michael Mintenko will further inspire students to become environmentally conscious leaders in our community."

"Stewardship of the Moose Jaw River watershed plays an important role in enhancing the community and quality of life for residents," Moose Jaw Creek Watershed Association Technical Co-ordinator Twyla Jesse said. "It is in our own best interest to ensure the environment in which we live and work remains sustainable and healthy. By participating in the watershed stewardship, we are investing in our future."

Through its partnership with Prince Arthur Community School, SaskWater has supported a variety of programs focused on helping students overcome obstacles, develop balanced lifestyles and achieve academic success. SaskWater's sponsorship has assisted the school's Kindergarten to Grade 8 swimming program, provided resources for the "Guided Reading" program, and purchased energy bars for the nutrition program, all of which foster healthy lifestyles and attitudes.

Saskwater is pleased to jointly sponsor Critters on the Creek with Wakamow Valley Authority, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Saskatchewan Network of Watershed Stewards, Canadian Water Resources Association, Moose Jaw Asphalt Inc., ERIN Environmental Consulting Specialists, Saskatchewan Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre, City of Moose Jaw Engineering Department, Culligan Water Conditioning, Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, Trout Unlimited Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Saskatchewan, Canadian Pacific Railway, and M&M Meat Shops Moose Jaw.

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For More Information, Contact:

Felechia Brodie SaskWater Moose Jaw Phone: (306) 694-3940 Cell: (306) 539-9707