The Battlefords Provincial Park features gorgeous sights, from bright blue skies during the day, to breathtaking sunsets over the water at night. (Facebook/Jaecy Bells)

By Martin Martinson

Park Improvements

Battlefords Provincial Park included in $10.3 million Provincial Stimulus Package

May 26, 2020 | 4:47 PM

The province of Saskatchewan has announced a $10.3 million Provincial Parks Stimulus Package, to be put towards renewal projects at several parks across Saskatchewan, including the Battlefords Provincial Park.

The stimulus serves as part of a bigger, $7.5 billion two-year capital plan, designed to stimulate the province’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 impact.

Byron Davis is the Executive Director of Parks Infrastructure and Capital Planning with the government of Saskatchewan. He said the developments within the Battlefords Provincial Park will include waste water system upgrades, electrical service expansion within the campgrounds; and creating accessible picnic sites and camp site development.

He said the idea is to increase accessability to the main and picnic areas, as well as providing easily accessible campsites for those with mobility limitations.

Davis said making the parks an enjoyable and safe place all people can enjoy is of the utmost importance.

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“I think people really appreciate the parks system, and even more so with the recent COVID-19 issues,” he said. “It is allowing people to be out and enjoy the parks again with social distancing and other safety measures in place. I think people really appreciate that at the Battlefords’ park and right across the provincial park system.”

In a release, the province shared the highlights of the funding for parks across Saskatchewan, which include:

• A significant campground development at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
• A new campground service centre and visitor reception centre at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park.
• Construction of day-use pavilions to accommodate a growing number of visitor groups at Pike Lake, Buffalo Pound, Blackstrap and Echo Valley Provincial Parks.
• Development of accessible picnic sites to accommodate a growing number of visitors at Buffalo Pound, Duck Mountain, Echo Valley and Moose Mountain Provincial Parks.
• Refurbishing the interior and exterior of the Holy Trinity Historic Church in Lac La Ronge Provincial Park, ensuring it is preserved for future generations.
• Accessible campsite development at Rowan’s Ravine, the Battlefords, Pike Lake and Great Blue Heron Provincial Parks.
• Upgrades to park roads, water/wastewater systems and maintenance facilities.

Parks, Culture and Sport Minister, Gene Makowsky said via statement it is nice to see the government invest in the provincial parks, which are integral to their respective communities.

“Provincial parks are popular year-round destinations,” he said. “This stimulus funding 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.”

The camping season will officially begin throughout the province on June 1, as announced back in Phase 1 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1