Released on July 17, 2014
Waters Edge Eco Lodge hosted a grand opening celebration today to formally kick off their business enterprise in the Meadow Lake Provincial Park community.Waters Edge Eco Lodge, a family-owned and operated business, officially opened for business in May of this year. The lodge developed as a result of a request for proposals (RFP) issued by the Government of Saskatchewan in March 2012. Through consultation with the local private sector, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport identified interest in the development of new commercial rental accommodations in Meadow Lake Provincial Park. The addition of these rental accommodations will support growth in the park and area.
“Our provincial parks are sought-after vacation destinations in the province,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. “New visitor services and tourism-related opportunities, like Waters Edge Eco Lodge, allow more people to stay in our parks, benefiting both park visitation and the local economy.”
Waters Edge Eco Lodge is located on the west side of Greig Lake and incorporates sustainable ecological practices throughout its business model. The environmentally-conscious plan minimizes the impact on the natural surroundings through energy efficiency, recycling, composting and even an organic garden.
“We wanted to create a place where people can come to rejuvenate through interaction with the natural environment and some simple luxuries,” Co-owner of Waters Edge Eco Lodge Shelly Pikowicz said. “After a day of adventure and exploration in nature’s playground, we pamper our guests with fresh, healthy food in a screened porch on the water’s edge. The lodge has comfortable beds, luxurious linens and a lake breeze to lull guests into a restful sleep.”
Government relies on the private sector to provide important high-quality, non-core services and facilities to park visitors. The combination of provincial and private sector investment ensures that visitors continue to enjoy their provincial park experience.
In 2013, the provincial park system set a record 3.7 million visits. Meadow Lake Provincial Park recorded 366,215 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