Good Spirit boat launch to get upgrade

The Government of Saskatchewan announced that it will add two more projects to a busy summer of capital parks investments by funding projects in Pike Lake Provincial Park and Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park worth more than $800,000.

"Our parks are attracting more and more visitors every year, so investing in them is crucial," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. "Saskatchewan's provincial parks received 3.6 million visits in 2012, a nearly six per cent increase over the previous record of 3.4 million visits received in 2011. We want that growth to continue, which is why we will continue investing in parks - it is good for our economy and helps create vibrant lives for the people of Saskatchewan."

The potable water system at Pike Lake Provincial Park will be upgraded to meet current drinking water standards. The Water Security Agency noted that the underground storage reservoir has deteriorated and needs to be replaced. The new system will ensure current drinking water standards continue to be met.

The contract to complete the first phase of the project was awarded to Con-Tech General Contractors Ltd. of Saskatoon. The project's first phase will involve the construction of a new pump house building, installation of three above-ground water storage tanks and related site developments. A portion of the distribution system will also be upgraded.

Phase one will start in the fall and should be complete by the beginning of the 2014 summer camping season.

At Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park, the main boat launch will be upgraded. The existing launch does not meet the needs of its users and will be expanded to provide increased capacity.

The contract for a significant portion of the project's work was awarded to Wudrich Excavating Ltd. of Yorkton.

All existing boat launch slabs will be removed and disposed of. The existing turn-around area for the launch will be expanded and the shoreline will be armoured. A sloped grade for two new boat launch lanes will be prepared and two new concrete boat launches will be constructed.

Government continues to improve Saskatchewan's provincial parks and in 2012 committed an additional $10 million over four years to supplement the previously-enhanced provincial parks capital budget. Since 2008, government has invested almost $44 million to improve Saskatchewan's provincial parks.