Brandy Smart Advocacy Advisor

After a long day at work four years ago, Nathan Arias, a member of Red Pheasant First Nation, came across an aging driving range on the edge of North Battleford with a for-sale sign out front. A few days later, he and his sister made an offer, and by that August, they owned it. At the time, Nathan didn't really have a plan for it. But he had a nephew named Eston, and an idea about what he wanted the place to represent.

(Photo provided by: Nathan Arias. Eston’s Place Owner, Nathan Arias -right, with North Battleford Mayor, Kelli Hawtin -left)

Somewhere along the way, "touch grass" became the internet's favourite insult. Spent too long online? Touch grass. Too deep in your group chat? Touch grass. Log off, go outside, remember the sun exists.

Here's the thing: the internet is right. And on Saturday, July 18, the whole country is going to do it together.

In early June, something relatively new happened in Ottawa: parks and recreation professionals sat across the table from federal officials to advocate for trail infrastructure investment in Saskatchewan communities.

Trans Canada Trail (TCT)’s Day on the Hill included conversations, in person, backed by data, and the realities of communities from Katepwa Beach to Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation to the Meewasin Valley Authority in Saskatoon. 

SPRA consultant for Parks & Open Spaces, Andrew Exelby, was one of the voices in the room.

- And we think you should be in the room too. 

Let's be honest, when you hear "economic development conference," your first thought probably isn't that's for me. You're busy running programs, maintaining facilities, coordinating volunteers, scheduling staff, and making the case for budget increases.