Sun Smart Sask. searches for shade at River Landing

When people get hot, they tend to head for the shade.

However, Sun Smart Saskatchewan would like to see more protected areas along the riverfront in Saskatoon.

That’s why the non-profit is doing a shade audit at River Landing from July 25 to Aug. 6.

“Many areas are exposed to the sun along the riverfront,” chair of Sun Smart Saskatchewan, Dr. Michael Schwandt said.

“We expect with the audit to find areas we can help the city improve on.”

A shade audit shows how an outdoor space is used and whether there are enough shady spaces.

“If you look at the trees [the city] planted they’re trying to make improvements,” Vancouver visitor, Pamela Peterson said.

“It might take 10 years, though.”

Sun Smart Saskatchewan has hired Crosby Hanna and Associates, a landscape and planning firm to do the audit.

“Once we have all the findings we’ll be able to make recommendations to the city to create more shade,” Dr. Schwandt said.

With the UV index expected to be high all week, Dr. Schwandt said people need to be diligent in the sunshine.

“Make sure to limit your time in the sun during those peak times,” he said.

“Wear a hat, put on lots of sunscreen and throw on some sunglasses.”

The group aims to have the audit findings by the end of September.