The Saskatchewan Government is on track to complete a four-year plan to renew Saskatchewan provincial parks. By the end of 2011, the Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport will have spent close to $33 million in upgrades and improvements to Saskatchewan's provincial parks over the past four years. That's more than double the $13 million spent by the government in the previous four years.
"I am excited to announce that not only have we met, but exceeded our commitment to improving our parks, including our promise to provide electrical service to 1,000 campsites," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "Our government's renewed investment into our Saskatchewan provincial parks has resulted in much needed upgrades to our park system."
By fall 2011 there will be nearly 1,100 newly electrified campsites, along with a number of new or upgraded service centres, change houses, boat launches, entry kiosks, picnic tables, barbeques and more. Improvements also include a new campground at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.
"This investment will be a legacy for our park system and the people of Saskatchewan for years to come," Hutchinson said. "The results are a rejuvenated park system with first class facilities, welcoming visitors from Saskatchewan, Canada and the world."
The majority of the upgrades are complete and available for visitors to enjoy now. Construction will start this fall on the remaining few upgrades to be ready for the 2012 parks season.
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport is also in consultations for two new proposed provincial parks.
One includes the existing Emma Lake and Anglin Lake Recreation Sites with adjacent Crown Land and the other is located south of Hudson Bay in the Porcupine Hills area. These consultations are a first step in exploring options around the new parks and working to fulfill government's commitment to provide more recreation and conservation opportunities. Further plans in regards to the new parks will be released this fall. Public consultations are currently underway. For more information, visit http://www.saskparks.net/ProposedParks.
2011 is the 80th Anniversary of the provincial park system. This milestone event is being commemorated with special events throughout the park system. Work is also being done to historical facilities and trails.
A complete list of capital upgrades to Saskatchewan's provincial parks is available at www.saskparks.net/capitalupgrades.
