We may not be seeing boats head out onto the inviting waters of Lake Diefenbaker from the launch in the resort village of Elbow right now, but that’s because of a very suitable reason.
The Elbow Harbour Recreation Site and boat launch is closed to the public right now due to a construction project that will see an upgrade and addition to the local amenities.
Local business owner and Danielson Provincial Park manager Joel Perry explained that the work project involves replacing an old failed wooden retaining wall with a concrete retaining wall, as well as building a new fish-cleaning shack with washroom facilities at the top of the hill.
Jalaine Thibault, a marketing specialist with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, further elaborated in an email to The Outlook.
“Visitors should be aware that the boat launch in the closed off area is not to be used at this time for the safety of the workers and the public,” she wrote. “The purpose of the reconstruction is to replace a former wood retaining wall that failed as well as prevent slumping and erosion of the hillside adjacent to the harbour. While some excavation preparation was done last fall to get a jump on the project, the only feasible time for the bulk of the work is during spring when water levels are lowest. These improvements will ensure the integrity of the Elbow Harbour boat launch area for decades to come.”
A firm reopening date for the harbour area and boat launch has not been locked in, but it’s said that without any construction hiccups, the area should reopen by mid-June.
In the meantime, boaters and anglers can access Lake Diefenbaker via the Danielson Provincial Park boat launch.
