The provincial government this week confirmed that it has achieved its goal of committing an additional $10 million for improvements and expansion of provincial parks over four years. The total investment in capital projects and maintenance over the past four years has amounted to more than $53 million.
“Saskatchewan’s provincial parks are a key component of our quality of life here,” said Mark Docherty, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport. “This enhanced investment over the past four years, along with our total increased investment since 2007, has helped us improve the experience for current visitors and ensure that our park infrastructure will remain stable for years to come.”
Since 2012, the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport has undertaken more than 140 capital projects within the provincial parks system, including expansion and growth opportunities, as well as critical improvements.
Some of the investments noted in the recent announcement, included the more than $7.5 million spent on water and wastewater system upgrades and $7.5 million invested in campsite electrical expansion as well as other upgrade work.
There was $7 million spent on replacing or upgrading campground and day use service centres while $6 million was spent on developing new campsites, including new campgrounds at Blackstrap and Greenwater Lake Provincial Parks.
Roads and trails in provincial parks were rebuilt and maintained at a cost of over $3.5 million and more than $3 million was put toward improving and upgrading boat launches while $1.7 million was invested in campsite enhancements and furnishings.
Upgrades were also made to historic and interpretive facilities, shoreline protection systems and playground
structures.
Most of the projects were completed by the end of this year’s camping and outdoor season and the few that remain incomplete are slated to be finished by the time the majority of visitors make it to the provincial parks in the summer of 2016.
