Released on August 14, 2014
The Government of Saskatchewan will invest nearly three quarters of a million dollars for the construction of a new service centre in Lakeview Campground and electrical work in Valleyview Campground at Echo Valley Provincial Park.The existing building in Lakeview Campground is not equipped with showers and does not offer barrier-free washrooms. It will be replaced with a new ministry-standard service centre, along with all related mechanical, electrical and site developments. The new standard campground service centre falls in line with government’s commitment to provide safe, clean and accessible public washroom and shower facilities in parks.
“Saskatchewan’s provincial parks are public spaces intended for everyone to use and enjoy,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. “Our government believes in investing in a high quality of life for all Saskatchewan residents. We continue to deliver on this promise through capital upgrades and enhancements in our provincial parks.”
Construction of the new Lakeview service centre in Echo Valley Provincial Park began this summer. G. Hahn Contracting Ltd. of Fort Qu’Appelle has been contracted to deliver the new service centre before the start of the 2015 park season.
Beginning in September of this year, Valleyview Campground will receive electrical upgrading to 76 campsites as well as roadway lighting and related site development. Livewire Electric Ltd. of Shellbrook was awarded the contract. This upgrade will provide park users with the option of 15, 30 or 50 amp service to accommodate larger recreational units.
The Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport was pleased to complete work on lagoon upgrades in Echo Valley Provincial Park in June of this year. Government is committed to the protection of the natural environment and this upgrade brings the lagoon into compliance with regulations set out by the Ministry of Environment.
In 2013, the provincial park system set a record 3.7 million visits. Echo Valley Provincial Park received 160,274 of those visits.
The 2014-15 Budget has increased funding to provincial parks by 4.6 per cent this year. This includes capital and maintenance spending which will hit record levels with $14.9 million identified for upgrades and new construction projects. Total capital investments in provincial parks have increased 244 per cent in the past seven years compared to the previous seven year period.
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For more information, contact:
Karen Webb
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7828
Email: karen.webb@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-4087