$10.3 Million Provincial Parks Stimulus Package

Released on May 26, 2020

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $10.3 million into renewal projects across the provincial park system.  This is part of the $7.5 billion two-year capital plan to stimulate the province’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 impact.

"Provincial parks are popular year-round destinations,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said.  “This stimulus funding provides additional facility and infrastructure improvements to build a stronger Saskatchewan, ensuring visitors will continue enjoying these unique spaces now and for years to come.”

Over the next two years, this funding will build exciting new facilities for park visitors, as well as renew some existing facilities.

Highlights include:

• A significant campground development at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park;
• A new campground service centre and visitor reception centre at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park;
• Construction of day-use pavilions to accommodate a growing number of visitor groups at Pike Lake, Buffalo Pound, Blackstrap and Echo Valley Provincial Parks;
• Development of accessible picnic sites to accommodate a growing number of visitors at Buffalo Pound, Duck Mountain, Echo Valley and Moose Mountain Provincial Parks;
• Refurbishing the interior and exterior of the Holy Trinity Historic Church in Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, ensuring it is preserved for future generations;
• Accessible campsite development at Rowan’s Ravine, the Battlefords, Pike Lake and Great Blue Heron Provincial Parks; and
• Upgrades to park roads, water/wastewater systems and maintenance facilities.

These stimulus projects are on top of the $10 million for capital improvements and $1.6 million for capital maintenance in provincial parks in 2020-21.  These improvements include campground service centre replacements at Pike Lake and Good Spirit Lake Provincial Parks, completion of the swimming pool at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, interior renovations at the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park pool building and many other projects across the park system.

Since 2008-09, more than $120 million has been invested in provincial park infrastructure to enhance the visitor experience and grow tourism in the province.  Recent improvements include a new visitor reception centre and water renewal system at Echo Valley Provincial Park, as well as three service centres, a boat launch and road upgrades at Meadow Lake Provincial Park.

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For more information, contact:

Brooke Lochbaum
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-551-9380
Email: brooke.lochbaum@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-551-9380