$2.6 million development at Blackstrap Provincial Park

SASKATOON – Blackstrap Lake winds through a valley 40 kilometers Southeast of Saskatoon.

Commercially under developed, the provincial park area is now on track to realize its potential with construction of a marina and rental cabins now in the making.

“The marina will offer multi-year, annual as well as daily slip rentals to the public,” said Kevin Doherty, provincial parks, culture and recreation minister.

The announcement was made Friday at the provincial park office overlooking the lake.

The province has signed two agreements.

The first is with Blackstrap MarinaCorp. for construction of a 190 slip marina, marine fuel service, a boat launch and an area to park vehicles and trailers.

The second agreement is with Waterfront Developments Inc. to construct eight fully-furnished, 1,000 square foot cabins near the marina and another four cabins a few kilometres down.

All will be identical with “big decks, big windows, that sort of thing,” said John Pearce, representing Waterfront Developments.

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“Pretty much it will take advantage of the natural beauty and characteristics of the area. The gas fire places, it’s all granite, hard wood flooring, that sort of thing.”

The area is quickly becoming a provincial hot spot.

Brightenview Development is soon expected to begin construction of a wholesale shopping centre just outside of Dundurn.

Between that and the announcement of today’s $2.6 million investment, local residents are thrilled according to R.M. Reeve, Fred Wilson.

“Our population in the R.M. has increased considerably over the last few years and when you provide a facility for your rate payers… recreation and leisure time is a very important part of that,” said Wilson.

The opportunity to hit the slopes in winter will have to be found elsewhere.

Mount Blackstrap ski hill closed in 2008 because of declining ridership.

Reopening the hill would make the area a four season destination.

None of the proposals included the ski hill in their business plans but the province says the idea is still an option for the future.

“Bringing in a full four-season centre is, really what we want to see come forward from the private sector and invest their dollars into that and if someone comes forward with that idea we’ll certainly take a look at it,” said Doherty.

Construction of both developments will begin as soon as possible with a few of the cabin’s expected to be open in sync with the summer sun.

Also, the province has committed to a new full-service campground at Blackstrap Provincial Park within the next two years.