City green network project honoured at 2025 Premier’s Awards of Excellence in Design Gala
The City of Saskatoon is proud to announce that its green network project, Nourishing Community: Leif Erickson and Boughton Park Enhancements, received a Certificate of Merit for Landscape Architecture at the Design Council of Saskatchewan’s 2025 Premier’s Awards of Excellence in Design Gala, held on Friday, November 7, 2025, in Saskatoon.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Natural Infrastructure Fund, this innovative project demonstrates how thoughtful design can strengthen communities, improve sustainability and enhance public spaces.
Constructed in 2025, the enhancements at Leif Erickson and Boughton Parks included:
- Food Forests – inviting spaces planted with fruit-bearing trees, shrubs and perennials to provide edible landscapes and increase canopy cover.
- Water Conservation Measures – adaptive irrigation systems and naturalized plantings to reduce water use and operational costs.
- Park Upgrades – new pathways, benches, bike racks, playground equipment (Boughton Park) and educational signage to improve accessibility and amenities.
By coordinating these complementary activities, the City reduced construction impacts, saved time and money and optimized external funding. The integrated approach also delivers multiple co-benefits, including addressing food insecurity, improving green space quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting canopy cover targets.
“This project reflects our commitment to creating resilient, inclusive spaces that meet community needs,” says Jeanna South, Director of Sustainability. “We’re honoured to be recognized among Saskatchewan’s design leaders.”
For more information about the Premier’s Awards of Excellence in Design, visit: designcouncil.sk.ca/premiers-awards
For more information on the Leif Erickson and Boughton Park upgrade projects, visit:
saskatoon.ca/engage/boughton-park-upgrade
saskatoon.ca/engage/leif-erickson-park-upgrade
For more information on Saskatoon’s Natural Infrastructure Fund: Green Network Project, visit: