The provincial government announced Friday that the chalet will undergo a $1.1 million renovation and conversion into a brand new multi-purpose visitor centre, with work beginning in the coming weeks and an opening date set for summer of 2022.
“Buffalo Pound is a beautiful park with so much for visitors to enjoy,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “The repurposed visitor centre will be a great addition, serving many purposes that will benefit a number of park users well into the future.”
In addition to acting as a gathering point for the park’s many hiking and biking enthusiasts, the visitor centre will also serve as a hub for interpretive programs, while offering a chance to grab drinks at a new coffee shop. Space will also be provided for other businesses to set up in the facility.
Regina-based Westridge Construction has been awarded the contract.
“The selection of the construction team is an important milestone for this project,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Jim Reiter said. “This new visitor centre will not only provide park visitors a gathering place for years to come, its construction will support our economy as we recover from the global pandemic and continue to build a strong Saskatchewan.”
Both levels of the building will be extensively renovated. Exterior work will include a large deck with an accessible ramp and a host of other site improvements.
The chalet was originally constructed in 1972 but has seen little use in recent years.
Funding for the build will come from the provincial stimulus program and is part of the government’s $18.1 million investment in park facilities and infrastructure over the next year.
The visitor centre will be just the latest improvement to Buffalo Pound. The park also features a new swimming pool and the Sask Aquatics inflatable water park as well as the fun activities at Squirrely Putt and Play. That’s on top of the miles of hiking and biking trails, campsites and outstanding fishing in the lake itself.
For more information on Buffalo Pound and to book campsites and other amenities, visit www.parks.saskatchewan.ca.
