The Government of Saskatchewan has announced it will be investing $10.3 million into renewal projects within the provincial parks system, to fund new and existing projects in the wake of the pandemic.
The stimulus package is part of the recently announced plan to stimulate the economy’s recovery after COVID-19, which will total $7.5 billion in capital investments over the next two years.
Over the next two years, the new funding will be used to build new facilities and renovate existing facilities within Saskatchewan Parks.
“Provincial parks are popular destinations,” said Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Gene Makowsky in a press release. “This stimulus finding 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.”
Projects on the agenda include significant campground development at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, a new visitor reception centre at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, and refurbishing of the Holy Trinity Historic Church in Lac La Ronge Provincial Park.
A number of parks will also see the development of new day-use pavilions and accessible picnic sites, including Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.
Other parks receiving part of the stimulus funding include Pike Lake, Blackstrap Provincial Park, Echo Valley Provincial Park, Duck Mountain Provincial Park, and Moose Mountain Provincial Park.
This funding will also provide upgrades to accessible campsite development at Rowan’s Ravine, the Battlefords, Pike Lake, and Great Blue Heron Provincial Park, as well as upgrades to park roads, wastewater systems, and maintenance facilities across the province.
The new stimulus funding is being provided on top of the $10 million already set aside for capital improvements, such as the new swimming pool at Buffalo Pound, and the $1.6 million for capital maintenance in 2020-21.
