Silverwood Heights is Saskatoon’s largest suburban development in both size and population. Its boundaries include the Silverwood Golf Course in the north, Wanuskewin Drive to the west, and Lenore Drive in the south. In the east, the neighbourhood stops at the South Saskatchewan River. Only 15 minutes from downtown, Silverwood offers a nice balance of city and suburban life.
Acquired by the city in the 1970s, the majority of residential construction took place from 1981 to 1985. The neighbourhood is mostly residential, with two convenience stores, wide sidewalks and two large parks. Local schools offer playgrounds and skating rinks, while also playing host to clubs and classes put on by the Silverwood Heights Community Association.
According to the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation, Saskatoon’s average rental cost in 2013 was $827 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,020 for a two-bedroom. These costs are consistent in Silverwood. There are no dedicated restaurants in the neighbourhood itself, but an affordable cup of coffee is available at the convenience stores, along with other household goods. Street parking in the neighbourhood is free and easy to find.
Silverwood’s location is convenient for people who work in the nearby North Industrial section of the city. While busy traffic is concentrated on Wanuskewin Road, it’s quite light on residential streets. And although the Wastewater Treatment Plant is located on the east boundary, it’s well managed and barely noticeable for most of the year.
Silverwood’s main thoroughfares are easy to navigate, with a regular bus service coming through the area every 30 minutes on weekdays. It’s easy to get around by car as well, as Wanuskewin Road is one of the fastest corridors for heading downtown or beyond city limits. Lenore Drive and Russell Road also offer easy access to the Lawson Heights commercial district.
Silverwood’s five schools are a fixture of the neighbourhood, serving as the centre of community life. The area includes two public and two Catholic elementary schools (one with French immersion), and one public French/English high school. The city’s Fire Station #7 serves the area from Wanuskewin Road, and nearby Lawson Heights offers a major commercial district with a mall, civic centre, medical clinic and pharmacy, and indoor soccer fields.
According to a 2014 profile from the City of Saskatoon, Silverwood Heights' population is estimated at 10,547. The average age is 50-plus, however younger families are starting to move in due to the area’s many schools. English is the first language of most residents, with the area becoming more diverse in recent years.
Silverwood’s quiet atmosphere makes it a great place to raise kids. Two convenience stores are popular with all ages, stocking snacks and basic essentials. The area also has an active community association, and the north and south sections of WJL Harvey Park host sport teams and clubs. For nature lovers, the Meewasin Valley Trail starts in this neighbourhood and runs along the riverbank to the south section of Saskatoon.
This par three, 18-hole course for golfers of all ages and abilities takes two hours to play, and offers a low pressure environment for beginners. Golf clubs, carts, and lessons are also available.
more infoThis smoke-free facility has four indoor soccer fields, 12 volleyball courts, 16 dress rooms, a lounge, a dance floor, a concession, and lots of free parking. It’s wheelchair accessible and available for private bookings.
more infoOpen to cyclists, runners, and pedestrians, this trail stretches over 60 kilometres along the protected riverbank of the South Saskatchewan River. Reader’s Digest Magazine included it the Top 10 Greatest Hikes in Canada.
more infoOpen seven days a week, this walk-in clinic provides care, prescriptions, and referrals for minor emergencies. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
more infoThis community mall offers over 100 fashion and specialty food shops, three hair salons, and a grocery store. The 300-seat food court is bordered by a children’s play area and a stroller program.
more infoServing five communities, the Lawson Heights Civic Centre includes a gym, a swimming pool, and a branch of the Saskatoon Public Library. Classes are available, but drop-in visits and lane swimmers are also welcome.
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