The redevelopment of Diefenbaker Park addressed the Optimist Club of Saskatoon’s vision for a year-round outdoor recreational facility. Completed in 2019, Catterall & Wright provided engineering services which involved reshaping the existing hill with detailed grading and excavation to increase its height by 23 metres. Key features included installation of two lift systems, a snow-making system supported by booster pumps and low-pressure piping, and construction of a multi-purpose service building to house water, electrical infrastructure, and equipment storage.

One of the main challenges was designing a cost-effective grading plan that reused 126,500 cubic metres of onsite material to avoid costly offsite hauling. The team also optimized snow-making operations to eliminate the need for upgrades to the City’s existing infrastructure, while ensuring flexible and accessible user transport through the conveyor-style lift system.

Catterall & Wright’s innovative approach successfully transformed the site into a versatile, multi-season recreational hub. The project not only met community budget expectations but also enhanced accessibility and recreational opportunities for residents, all while avoiding expensive infrastructure upgrades.