Apparently the proposed Whitewater Center to be opened in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan may be in jeopardy. A risk-averse, change-resistant journalist by the name of Les MacPherson wrote a piece in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix criticizing the development of this site. This journalist fears that the serenity and ambiance surrounding the downtown Saskatoon weir (proposed site of the course) would be devastated and the Pelicans who flock there in the summer would be left homeless. Why? Well it is all because of us 'eskimo-rolling', 'Woooooo' screaming whitewater enthusiasts.
Well Les, let me try to put your fears to rest. I can prove to you that the ambiance won't be ruined and the the Pelicans won't be left homeless, and that such a site will actually do more good for the city of Saskatoon than you may think. Please, read on.
Les, just south of Yellowknife in the NWT is a river called the Slave. The Slave is one of the most beautiful rivers I have ever paddled on; its big volume whitewater is one-of-a-kind, making this place a Canadian paddling mecca. Anyways, there is a section on this river which is inhabited by thousands of Pelicans and is appropriately named Pelican rapids. Now, let me tell you something about Pelican rapids, it is probably the largest and most spectacular part of whitewater on this whole river. Although I lay no claim to being a bird specialist, biologist or even marine biologist, I believe that Pelicans are relatively resilient creatures and if they don't run away from the mighty rapids of the Slave I don't see why they would run from the much more tame rapids which I hope will soon inhabit the South Saskatchewan?
As for the destruction of the current serenity and ambiance, sure there may be times when passer-bys will hear the shrieks of excited whitewater...but, I would much rather hear that, then the shrieks and cries of someone struggling to stay alive after getting stuck in the turbulent and dangerous back-wash of the present weir. In addition, the sound of white water and rapids is incredibly soothing; don't they sell relaxation tapes to the public where the theme is The Sounds of Rivers or something like this?
Les, I understand your reluctance to the monetary/financial outlay for the facility. $15m is a lot of money, but believe me, this center will pay dividends both tangible and intangible. This site will offer Saskatoon and surrounding residents with a new, exciting form of exercise and outdoor entertainment. The development of a slalom kayak/canoe racing club and program will attract Olympic-class athletes and International competitions to Saskatoon and Canada. Finally, commercial rafting ventures can be very profitable with significant positive spill-over...in this case, the spill over will effect local businesses directly as there would undoubtedly be an increase in tourism as a result of this unique facility.
So Les, I beg you....join the dark side. I bet if you try either whitewater kayaking, canoing or rafting, you will be sold. In fact, I invite you to come out to Ottawa. If you come, I will personally guide you down the Ottawa River or any of our surrounding rivers so you can experience the brilliance of our sport first-hand.
For those of you who have yet to see this article, it can be found here, http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/third_page/
story.html?id=97b84882-ed64-47e0-a1bd-8aaf6e9f0848
I love kayaking.
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