The City of Saskatoon is looking to move ahead with the next step of its $54 million Flood Control Strategy.

This week, the committee on Environment, Utilities and Corporate Services moved to send a report to City Council to begin detailed design and construction on a storm water pond at Churchill Park.

This project which would go ahead in 2022, is estimated to cost $10.1 million with the city on the hook for $6.2 million. City administration reports the dry pond will reduce flood risk in an area with a history of frequent flooding. Back in 2017, sixteen property owners in the area reported flood water entering their homes after a heavy rain event.

An email to the committee expressed concerns over the loss of park space for 2-3 years, and called the proposal rushed.

The first project approved under the Flood Control Strategy included a dry storm water pond at W.W Ashley District Park and a multi-purpose sports field that was reconstructed at Aden Bowman Collegiate.

The Churchill Park proposal is expected to be presented at the next city council meeting on March 22nd.