The Government of Saskatchewan is investing nearly $7.8 million for facility and infrastructure improvements in southern provincial parks in 2019-20. For the second year, an investment of $11 million will be made across Saskatchewan’s provincial parks system.
“Whether coming out for the day or spending the week, our southern provincial parks are popular destinations for families,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky said. “Investing in park improvements continues to be a priority for our ministry. With a number of exciting projects scheduled to take place in the southern parks this year, visitors will have much to look forward to in the upcoming camping season.”
Along with ongoing upgrades to washrooms, docks, day-use facilities and signage, upgrades scheduled for completion prior to the 2020 camping season in southern Saskatchewan provincial parks include:
• Swimming pool and related facility replacement at Buffalo Pound;
• New campground service centre at Danielson and service centre upgrade at Douglas;
• Major road improvements at Echo Valley;
• Campground electrical upgrade and expansion at Pike Lake and Saskatchewan Landing;
• Boat launch upgrades at Crooked Lake and Moose Mountain and completion of boat launch improvement work at Buffalo Pound;
• Full service campsites at Rowan’s Ravine; and
• First phase of water system upgrades at Duck Mountain.
Upgrades that began in 2018-19 and are now complete in southern Saskatchewan provincial parks include:
• New visitor reception centre and full service campground at Echo Valley;
• Water system expansions at Echo Valley and Moose Mountain;
• Campground electrical upgrades and expansions at Moose Mountain and Cypress Hills; and
• Swimming pool building/waterslide improvements and new play structure at Pike Lake.
From 2007-08 to 2018-19, capital investment and capital maintenance in parks reached a total value of more than $116 million. Improvements planned for 2019-20 will further increase the total investment to more than $127 million since 2007. Throughout 2018, Saskatchewan Provincial Parks saw nearly 4 million visits.
Saskatchewan’s provincial parks continue to be an important destination, attracting visitors and bringing economic benefits to the province.
