Discovering Life in Saskatoon

A temperature that drops below –40°C and dips to nearly –57°C with the wind chill, combined with snowfall that piles up to nearly a meter above ground, forming an endless snowfield—doesn’t sound like something new immigrants could easily handle, physically or mentally, especially if they come from the warmer parts of the world.

But interestingly, this typical weather is what I fell in love with during my first winter in Saskatoon.

My name is Ahmed, and I lived in the hot climate of Egypt for 37 years before moving to Canada. It was clear to me that weather was one of several reasons that brought me to Saskatoon. Not only the temperature and snowfall, but also the ecosystem that includes water bodies, green spaces, wildlife, and air quality.

It is, perhaps, our habit as humans to appreciate what we don’t have and overlook what we do.

Native flowers blooming in the river valley. Photo by M. Mickelson

A Contrast:

While Egypt has two breathtaking open seas, neither is easily accessible to those living in the capital, Cairo, or in most of the country. It takes a three-hour drive to reach the Mediterranean Sea and about three to seven hours to get to the Red Sea. Nearly all coastal areas are considered touristic, and so are the prices. One would need to budget roughly a full month’s minimum-wage salary for an above-average two-day, one-night trip to the nearest coastal city.

The Nile River is believed to give Egypt life. Yet, there are no accessible trails to walk along, and green spaces around the riverbanks are poorly maintained. The distribution of green spaces in Cairo is another issue. According to Aly and Dimitrijevic, “in the year 2020, 22 districts out of 37, where 66% of the population live, had an individual share of green spaces less than 0.50 m².” For context, the City of Saskatoon reported a park area per person of 37 square meters in 2021.

The following images visualize this difference between Cairo and Saskatoon.

Side by side, two images taken from Google Earth—Cairo (left) and Saskatoon (right). Both were captured a few minutes apart.

Things I Like in Saskatoon:

I could probably write several pages about what I like in Saskatoon, but I’ll try to be brief.

I live on Avenue B North, and it takes me five minutes on foot to reach Ashworth Holmes Park if I head south. If I head north, it’s about a 15-minute walk to AH Browne Park. To the west, a 20-minute walk takes me to Pierre Radisson Park. Alternatively, heading east for 30 minutes brings me to the riverbank and the Meewasin Valley Trail. This setup doesn’t change much if I were to live in a different neighborhood in the city. Parks and water bodies—whether riverbanks or ponds—are within walking distance from almost anywhere in Saskatoon.

On my way to these green spaces, the streets and avenues are lined with trees, and pedestrian walkways are well-provided and maintained. Birds stay close to people, singing and playing, enriching the local food chain. The air I breathe on my walks is clean. That may sound like a basic right, but I didn’t have it in Cairo.

The social contract is another plus in Saskatoon. I can cross roads with confidence, knowing that cars will stop at a safe distance—something I couldn’t count on in Cairo. Cycling is encouraged as a mode of transport, and cyclists are given similar rights to car drivers. Non-profit organizations, such as Wild About Saskatoon, offer volunteering opportunities where people from different backgrounds work together for the greater good while having fun. This is a cornerstone of a cohesive society.

The city’s public spaces, such as parks and riverbanks, are maintained year-round. Visitors are welcome to barbecue and enjoy picnics—as long as they clean up afterward. Garbage bins, animal waste bins, and recycling bins are plentiful throughout the city to help keep it clean.

As the seasons change and the temperature range spans nearly 100 degrees Celsius, the National Building Code of Canada—along with provincial and municipal regulations—ensures comfortable indoor living. The availability of winter gear and weather-rated clothing makes it possible to function well outdoors. The community’s preparedness for extreme weather is a major factor in making Saskatchewan winters livable—and enjoyable, too.

My Ramadan in Saskatoon:

As a Muslim, I fast every Ramadan: one full month of no food or drink between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan fell in March, which was perfect in terms of cool weather that reduced thirst during the day.

Fasting has several benefits, including detoxification and body fluid cleansing. But more importantly, it nurtures modesty and spiritual reflection. During Ramadan, we remember our brothers and sisters who can’t afford enough food every day. It’s a way to rebuild our social bonds and strengthen our sense of community.

In the End:

The Creator gifted Cairo to Egyptians, who built one of the Earth’s most stunning civilizations. The resources available there—including two long coasts, the Nile River, and moderate weather year-round—are more than enough to build a long-lasting kingdom. But it’s our actions and decisions that can end kingdoms quickly.

Saskatoon is green today, and the only way to keep it green is to live within its natural system—not to replace it.

 – Ahmed Badawy