Released on May 22, 2015
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing more than $1.8 million into Lake Diefenbaker area parks, including a new visitor reception centre at Douglas Provincial Park, repairs and upgrades to the beach retaining wall at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park and an expansion to the boat launch at Elbow Harbour Recreation Site.“Lake Diefenbaker is a hub of recreation and tourism opportunities in Saskatchewan,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. “Investment in these parks along Lake Diefenbaker will enhance the experience of our visitors and will make this area an even more attractive place to vacation.”
The new visitor reception centre at Douglas Provincial Park will be a combined facility that will house the park’s administration office, campground office and interpretive space. The current administration office and interpretive centre buildings were constructed in the late 1950s and are now in poor repair.
In addition to providing space for staff, this new combined building will provide accessible washrooms, a larger, more accessible visitor reception area to serve the public and an interpretive area.
Bighorn Construction (2005) Ltd. of Medicine Hat was the successful bidder for the visitor reception centre, which will be completed for the 2016 park season.
In addition to the new visitor reception centre at Douglas, Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park and Elbow Harbour Recreation Site are also receiving upgrades. Work is already underway on repairing and upgrading the beach retaining wall at Saskatchewan Landing.
The current wall was constructed in the 1970s and after 40 years of high winds and water levels, is now in need of repair and upgrading. This work will include stabilizing the current wall and installing walkways, guardrails and improving access to the beach area. The successful bidder on this project was Saskcon Repair Services Ltd. of Saskatoon. The bulk of this project is expected to be complete by the end of June 2015.
The current boat launch at Elbow Harbour Recreation Site is a popular access point to Lake Diefenbaker, which is one of Saskatchewan’s most popular water-based recreation lakes.
This project will add a second boat launch at Elbow Harbour, doubling the current capacity, which will help to meet the high demand during the peak boating season. Allan Construction from Saskatoon was the successful bidder on this project. The boat launch expansion is scheduled to be complete by the end of June 2015.
Funding for capital projects and upgrades in provincial parks will total $14.6 million in 2015-16. This funding meets the government’s commitment to invest an additional $10 million on expansion and growth opportunities in provincial parks over four years, for a total investment of more than $53 million in this time period.
Details on further projects will be announced throughout the summer.
-30-
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