Released on September 19, 2012
The Government of Saskatchewan is spending $150,000 for culvert and road repairs at eight locations in Duck Mountain Provincial Park. These repairs will restore access to the Ski Hill Road and ensure it will remain open in the future, even during heavy rainfalls.
Duck Mountain Provincial Park received five inches of rain on June 17, 2012, which flooded the Ski Hill Road at several locations. The road, which provides access to the Duck Mountain ski hill, Batka Lake and the boggy creek area, has been closed to the public since June 18.
"These repairs will ensure that visitation throughout Duck Mountain remains high," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. "I am pleased to announce that the installation and repair will begin immediately so access to the ski hill is restored prior to the start of the ski season."
The contract was awarded to Saskcon Repair Services Ltd. of Saskatoon.
This is not the first time government has spent money to improve flood-damaged roads in Duck Mountain. The province recently spent more than $1.2 million on paving Highway 57, one of the major routes to Duck Mountain, to ensure improved access for visitors driving to the park. The highway was damaged after flooding that occurred in 2011.
Over the last two years, Parks, Culture and Sport has invested more than $1.5 million in capital upgrades for Duck Mountain Provincial Park. Upgrades include a new service centre, expanded or upgraded electrical service to campsites and the completion of the Fen Trail.
Despite flooding in recent years, Duck Mountain has experienced an increase in its number of visits. The park received 241,002 visits in 2011, an increase of 5.7 per cent from 2010 and a 6.2 per cent increase over the five-year average.
Government is dedicated to improving Saskatchewan's provincial parks by investing an additional $10 million in park upgrades over the next four years for a total investment of nearly $54 million.
This year, government is providing more than $13 million to parks capital projects.
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For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5781
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-8152