USask collaborates with City of Saskatoon, community organizations via important MOU
The City of Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan have a longstanding history of collaboration and partnerships dating back more than 40 years, which has strengthened communities through education, research, and engagement.
That relationship was reaffirmed in 2018 when the two signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaborations to address issues related to urban planning, land development, reconciliation, transit, and more. The City of Saskatoon-USask MOU followed on the heels of similar agreements signed by the university with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and with Remai Modern, Saskatoon’s museum of modern and contemporary art.
Both USask and the City of Saskatoon are focused on efforts to partner to be more purposeful and deliberate in the areas of strategic infill, transportation, sustainability initiatives, recreation, joint research projects, and student learning opportunities. In addition, many of the discoveries made by faculty members and students are relevant to cities, such as in the area of urban planning.
In 2023, the Meewasin Valley Authority and USask announced the re-signing of a three-year MOU aimed at fostering and advancing joint initiatives in sustainability and conservation in the Saskatoon region. Meewasin and USask have a long history of collaboration and shared interests. The Meewasin Valley Authority Act (1979) outlines the authority of Meewasin and articulates that USask has a shared responsibility (with the City of Saskatoon and the provincial government) for the governance of Meewasin.
More informally, USask and Meewasin collaborate through teaching and research opportunities within the river valley, student engagement and employment, and governance processes related to infrastructure development and approvals. There is ongoing work to establish the Wanuskewin Institute in partnership with the Wanuskewin Heritage Park. This will focus on research and educational activities. USask also recently signed an agreement with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan to establish a Métis Institute for Research and Governance.