To Secure Safe & Healthy Water for All
For Now & the Future
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Our Story—How It Started
The Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association (AWSA) is an independent, non-profit organization founded to protect source water in the Assiniboine River Watershed.
The journey began with a study of the Upper Assiniboine River Basin in August 2000. The study was initiated due to the devastating 1995 flood and river water-related concerns, such as drainage, flood control, and the loss of valuable wetland habitat.
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In addition, there was uncertainty regarding unsustainable water supplies for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational purposes and a lack of knowledge regarding the hydrologic and ecological processes and their effects within the watershed. There were also growing concerns about deteriorating water quality and a lack of proper aquifer management and protection. In October 1996, the governments of Saskatchewan (Sask Water), Manitoba (Manitoba Conservation), and Canada (Environment Canada) agreed to conduct the Upper Assiniboine River Basin Study. The Upper Assiniboine River Basin Study provided information regarding the basin’s water resources, as well as information and recommendations on future water management.
In October 2002, the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority started working to implement the key findings of the study. In 2004, two watershed advisory committees were established within the Assiniboine River Watershed to lead watershed management and aquifer planning, the Assiniboine River Advisory Committee and the Yorkton Area Aquifers Advisory Committee. These two committees included local representatives from rural and urban municipalities, First Nations, as well as stewardship, agricultural, and other interest groups. Their work was based on the Upper Assiniboine River Basin Study as well as extensive groundwater studies conducted in the Yorkton Aquifer Area, titled Groundwater Resources in the Yorkton Aquifer Management Plan Area Final Report (Maathuis and Simpson, 2006). As a result, the Assiniboine River Watershed Source Water Protection Plan and the Yorkton Area Aquifers Source Water Protection Plan were developed in August 2006.
In order to carry out the key actions outlined in the source water protection plans, the Assiniboine Watershed Stewardship Association Inc. was established on January 23, 2007. It became a non-profit organization. The AWSA stands out among other watershed groups in the province because it implements two source water protection plans, recognizing the crucial role of groundwater in the Assiniboine River Watershed.
What We Stand For
We Work as a Platform to Bring Real Change
AWSA is a people’s platform to implement key water protection plans and other projects throughout the watershed. We work as a platform to unite the communities and interest groups within the watershed. Here, people can share their concerns and gain practical guidance on conducting sustainable agriculture, retaining biodiversity, and managing water for a safer and greener future.
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Our Distinctive Approach
We collaborate with different stakeholders, including the government, stewardship groups, and private agencies, to accomplish the important actions outlined in our two-source water protection plans. The Assiniboine River Watershed is a remarkable region with distinct source water challenges. Our source water protection plans specifically address the most significant risks that endanger water supplies. AWSA offers local solutions tailored to local issues and serves as a resource for people seeking assistance with their water-related concerns.
Advisory Committees
Yorkton Area Aquifers Advisory Committee
Aron Hershmiller – City of Yorkton
Grant McCallum – Town of Saltcoats
Joe Skitcko – R.M of Saltcoats No.213
Brian Reinson – R.M. of Cana No. 214
Garry Liebrecht – R.M. of Wallace No. 243
Randy Trost – R.M. of Orkney No. 244
Whitesand River Advisory Committee
Brad Gabora – Town of Canora
Stephen Spearman – Town of Springside
Garry Jopko – Village of Rhein
Roger Hardie – Village of Theodore
Brent Ulmer – R.M of Stanley No. 215
John Zuchkan – R.M of Garry No. 245
Leonard Kuschak – R.M. of Ituna Bon Accord No. 246
LeeAnn Weinbender – R.M of Sliding Hills No. 273
Ken Demchuk – R.M of Good Lake No. 274
Dwayne Kitzan – RM of Insinger No. 275
Grant Faye – R.M. of Foam Lake No. 276
Don Skoretz – R.M of Buchanan No. 304
Phillip Shewchuk – R.M of Invermay No. 305
Barry Marquette – R.M of Sasman No. 336
Assiniboine River Advisory Committee
Russ Thies – Town of Churchbridge
Lorrie Popp – Town of Langenburg
Florian Balawyder – Town of Preeceville
Don Olson – Town of Sturgis
Reg Andrews – Village of MacNutt
Jim Weinheimer – R.M of Langenburg No. 181
David Zerr – R.M of Churchbridge No. 211
Roy Derworiz – R.M of Calder No. 241
Craig Salahub – R.M. of Cote No. 271
Conrad Vogel – R.M. of St. Phillips No. 301
Brad Hallick – R.M of Keys No. 303
Ken Frampton – R.M. of Livingston No. 331
Duane Hicks – R.M. of Clayton No. 333
Reg Yaremchuk – R.M of Preeceville No. 334
Colin Redman – R.M of Hazel Dell No. 335
Board of Directors
Yorkton Area Aquifers Advisory Committee Board Members
Grant McCallum – Town of Saltcoats (Board Vice Chair)
Randy Trost – R.M. of Orkney No. 244
Garry Liebrecht – R.M. of Wallace No. 243
Assiniboine River Advisory Committee Board Members
Russ Thies – Town of Churchbridge
Duane Hicks – R.M. of Clayton No. 333
Roy Derworiz – R.M. of Calder No. 241
Whitesand River Advisory Committee Board Members
Stephen Spearman – Town of Springside
Brent Ulmer – R.M. of Stanley No. 215
Ken Demchuk – R.M. of Good Lake No. 274
Membership
Staff
Jesse Nielsen
Manager
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Jesse Nielsen was born and raised in Yorkton, SK. He now lives outside of Springside, SK with his wife and 4 children. He received his Bachelor of Science degree (High Honours) in Land Use and Environmental Studies (LUESt) at the University of Saskatchewan in May of 2007 and a Master of Science degree from U of S in June of 2010. His thesis research partnered with Ducks Unlimited Canada to develop a framework for the cumulative effects assessment of project development on wetlands, specifically focusing on the Highway # 11 North twinning project between Saskatoon and Prince Albert, SK. He is confident in his ability to apply the skills and knowledge learned through his education to promote and raise awareness of source water protection, and contribute to the overall success of the Association’s work in the Assiniboine River Watershed.
As a life-long avid fisherman and hunter, Jesse is especially passionate about protecting the natural beauty and sustainability of the Yorkton area he calls home. As such, he is excited to contribute to the protection of source water in the Yorkton Area Aquifers and Assiniboine River Watershed. Jesse firmly believes in taking an active role in ensuring that the natural resources of the Assiniboine River are kept healthy for future generations to use and appreciate.
Jesse began as AWSA coordinator in May 2009 and became manager in September 2015. Continued implementation of meaningful projects and programming that benefit all residents of the watershed through enhanced source water protection will be Jesse’s goal as AWSA manager, now, and into the future.
Chris Jordens
Technician
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Chris Jordens was born in Regina and moved to Yorkton at the age of 4. He grew up in Yorkton and still lives in the city with his wife and their cat. Chris enjoys working out, going to the gym, and riding his bike. Chris has over 15 years of surveying experience and looks forward to working in the watershed he grew up in and contributing however he can to the success of the AWSA’s projects and programming.