Urban Fringe Development and Slope Instability in Southern Saskatchewan

Abstract

The development of the areas surrounding urban centers in Saskatchewan has become of increasing concern because of slope instability problems. Proglacial meltwater channels and spillways provide seemingly attractive sites for rural estates. An investigation revealed that most of the slopes along these channels are unstable where Regina lacustrine clay or Bearpaw shale are exposed. A large building constructed near Lumsden is experiencing severe damage because it was constructed on landslide debris. South of Saskatoon, a similar problem exists along the east bank of the Saskatchewan River where a high water table is present in a deltaic sand overlying a soft lacustrine clay. An old barn at the Riverside Golf Course is spectacular evidence of the history of the movement of a large slide block in this terrain.Certain problems exist in convincing the public that a stability problem exists in these areas. Some form of landuse zoning based on risk of failure is needed. However, local municipal governments do not have the resources to conduct the necessary research to establish effective controls.