68th Annual Meeting
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – June 14-18, 2017
Saskatoon is a different kind of Canada from Banff or Niagara Falls. With a population of 225,000, it is modern and vibrant, historic and cultural. Set on the Canadian prairie, it is where rolling green fields meet majestic blue skies alive with beautiful cloud formations and resplendent sunsets. It’s where the air is eternally fresh, the summer days are gloriously long, and warm people – and sunshine – extend an invitation to pause and enjoy life. Expect pleasant June days around 70 degrees F (20 degrees C) with low humidity, and sunset after 9:30 pm!
Where we’re staying
Our host hotel for the 2017 CGS is Saskatoon’s grand Delta Bessborough, overlooking the South Saskatchewan River. Designed in the “chateau style” and completed in 1932 by the Canadian National Railway, “The Bess” (say Bez) has been impeccably maintained over the years, and recently renovated. It is unique in being situated on 5 acres of riverfront gardens and along the Meewasin Valley Trail which runs along both sides of the river, winding over and under the bridges, through parks and natural areas. Stay a few days more and take in one of the best jazz festivals in Canada, right outside your door.
What we’re planning
Hosts Vicki and Ron Holmes, Thirza Smith and Mike Cavenaugh have planned activities to showcase the city and Saskatchewan’s natural beauty. After a welcoming reception at “The Bess” on Wednesday, the scientific meeting begins on Thursday morning. Afterward, step back in time with a settler’s lunch at the Boomtown Café and tour of the Western Development Museum, an opportunity to meet our hearty and innovative ancestors. We’ll spend the evening at Champetre County Wild West Resort starting with happy hour at the saloon, pitchfork fondue grain-fed beef, a good old-fashioned hayride, and other western fun.
Friday
Friday begins with a unique morning “cuppa”, just for spouses. Mike Cavanaugh has planned a presentation on gourmet coffees – with, of course a tasting session – to get you going. You can then join two of Saskatoon’s much-admired artists and studio owners, Denise Klette and Cheryl Tuck Tallon for a warm and incredibly fun play-date (date/time to be confirmed).
After the morning’s scientific meeting, Chef Darren is expecting us all for lunch at private members’ Riverside Golf & Country Club, located about fifteen miles from the city center with outstanding vistas of the river and prairie. Golfers will stay for a challenging round of golf while others will tour our new multi-disciplinary medical school at the University of Saskatchewan, and Canadian Light Source, Canada’s national synchrotron research facility. Gourmet dining with wine pairings that night will be at the Saskatoon Club, or the soon-to-be-open Remai Modern Art Gallery, designed by architect Bruce Kuwabara. The Remai Modern will house the largest collection of Picasso lithographs, donated by local philanthropists.
Saturday
Saturday, after the science and business meetings, there will free time before the annual Ball in one of the Bessborough’s elegant ballrooms. Optional afternoon activities include a cruise aboard the Prairie Lily riverboat, a walk along the river’s tree-lined neighbourhoods, or a trip to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a truly inspiring and unique place, and the living story of the land and its first people.
After the CGS meetings, we hope fishing enthusiasts will use Saskatoon as a starting point for fabulous fishing at one of Saskatchewan’s 100,000 lakes. World-record rainbow trout are caught nearby at Lake Diefenbaker (a daytrip), and the far north brags a grand-slam of freshwater fish in the northern Boreal forest (drive or fly-in). Suggestions for locations can be obtained from the hosts (details to be confirmed).
Air travel to Saskatoon is reasonably priced from Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver and other major centers. Start planning for a terrific week of inspiring professional experiences, warm friendships, and the making of many new memories.