Released on July 17, 1997
Environment and Resource Management Minister Lorne Scott todayoutlined the government's new directions for the provincial park
system including, increased funding for park infrastructure, greater
emphasis on public participation and sponsorships and development of
distinctive park activities for different parks.
The government's plans are contained in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks:
Directions for the 21st Century, the final report on the Parks
Tomorrow consultations conducted last year. The consultations were
initiated to address the park's aging facilities and limited financial
resources, which threatened the government's ability to maintain the
current level of park operations into the future.
"The message from the public was loud and clear," Scott said. "The
people of Saskatchewan value our provincial parks for many reasons
including recreation, economic, social and conservation purposes and
they do not want to see them closed, privatized or otherwise
diminished. As a result of this overwhelming support the province has
established a renewed commitment to maintaining and enhancing our
provincial park system."
Scott noted that as part of a proposed ten year plan to refurbish the
parks' basic facilities the government provided an additional $1.7
million in the last provincial budget, bringing the parks'
infrastructure budget to $2.5 million. He said there are no plans to
close or reduce park operations or services and that efforts are now
being concentrated on rebuilding the park system.
"The improved financial support for parks infrastructure is a great
first step in preparing our provincial parks for the 21st century,"
Scott said. "This document identifies many other actions that will be
implemented during the next ten years."
Key areas in which changes to the provincial parks system will occur
are:
increasing public involvement by establishing local and area park
advisory groups and developing partnerships to help enhance the
services, attractions and facilities in parks;
upgrading and replacing basic park facilities, (additional $1.7
million invested in 1997-98);
establishing or focusing on different recreational experiences,
facilities, and services for different parks;
enhancing natural and cultural resource protection by addressing
critical resource issues in parks, ($100,000 to be spent in
1997-98 on various projects such as park eco-system management
and archeological impact assessment) and by developing a strategy
identifying resource protection priorities;
increasing park visitation and tourism by working more closely
with other agencies such as Tourism Saskatchewan to identify
potential growth areas and to develop strategies for increased
use and economic activity;
improving interpretation/education by replacing or upgrading of
interpretive and educational facilities in provincial parks
($100,000 in 1997-98); and,
improving park business management through a cost benefit style
approach to delivering services, continuation of park lessee
approaches that meet park management objectives and encouraging
operational efficiencies.
"Public participation was crucial to the success of the Parks Tomorrow
process and I wish to thank the many people who got involved and
provided their comments during the public meetings and or by mail,"
Scott said. "I also wish to commend the Parks Tomorrow Working Group
which established the initial discussion paper, vision and future
directions for Parks Tomorrow for their concern and commitment to our
provincial parks."
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For more information, contact:
Sharon Wood
Parks and Facilities Branch
Environment and Resource Management
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-9573