The economic value of the South Saskatchewan river to the city of Saskatoon:(II) estimation of recreational use value

Abstract

This paper is the second part of a three-part study on the economic value of the South Saskatchewan River, reporting economic value of recreation use of the river, and a summary of total value. In a semi-arid plain setting, presence of an all-season river, such as the South Saskatchewan River, creates recreational opportunities for many residents and businesses in the city of Saskatoon. Value of river-based recreation and other leisure activities was estimated in this study using contingent valuation method. Based on a survey of residents, almost 80 percent of local residents use the river for some recreation and/or leisure activities, whereas less than 20 percent of local businesses make use of the river in some organized recreational activity. Using the 1989 level of their willingness-to-pay, the study estimates the value of river-based recreation at $2.6 million for residents, and $0.25 million for local businesses. Combining this value with other values reported in Kulshreshtha and Gillies (1993), total value of the river is estimated in the range of $27 to $34 million annually. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.