Recreational boaters on Ghost Lake will finally be able to sail for a full season on the reservoir after a $2.5-million renovation to the lake’s boating facilities by the province.
The reservoir, which is located about 70 kilometres west of Calgary, has had its water levels kept low since the 2013 Southern Alberta flood to mitigate the risk of future flooding.
“After the spring flood hazard passes (mid- to late-June), the water level is raised to provide higher water storage for drought mitigation later in the summer,” the Alberta government said in a statement Wednesday.
The side effect of this flood mitigation plan has been that boaters have not been able to launch into the water until later in the season, as the older boating facilities didn’t extend far enough into the lake.
For boating business owners like Mike Weinert, this has meant not only a drop in water levels but a major drop in business.
“We weren’t able to launch boats for the past five years,” he said. “It shortened my season.”
Weinert said he had to let go of almost all his staff — he currently only employs one other person besides himself.
Still, Weinert said he’s looking forward to the July 10 opening date, even though he’s had to deal with five years of economic hardship.
“I have five years worth of recovery to make up,” he said. “It’ll never be the business it was and I realize that.”
Shannon Phillips, provincial minister of environment and parks, said in a statement to Global News that the project will ensure all Albertans will have access to the lake in the future.
“The Ghost Reservoir Day Use Area is very popular with boaters, sailors and day users and is extremely busy throughout the spring and summer,” she said. “By investing in much-needed upgrades to the boat launch, we are ensuring Albertans can spend more time on the water, enjoying the outdoors with their family.”
The province also highlighted the other changes to the boating facilities in the statement:
- The south boat launch will be expanded to provide access during lower water levels and reduce congestion (three lanes instead of two). The current boat launch is 44 metres x 16 metres; the new boat launch will be 90 metres x 25 metres.
- The truck/trailer queue will be upgraded to improve ingress and egress
- The parking area will be paved to increase capacity and provide improved trailer parking
- The current washroom will be replaced by a new washroom facility
- The project’s completion date should be July 10 (barring any significant weather issues or unforeseen circumstances)
- The $2.5-million project was awarded through public tender, posted on Alberta Purchasing Connection
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