MOVING FORWARD ON BLACKSTRAP

The province is moving ahead with its plans to renew Blackstrap Provincial Park. It is part of an overall approach of expanding year-round outdoor recreational opportunities at provincial parks in the Saskatoon park area. This new direction includes not re-opening the ski hill and removing unused equipment. It also includes a consultation and planning process involving the public.

Attempts to find a private-sector business willing to reopen the ski facility without substantial taxpayer subsidy have been unsuccessful. A recent public survey showed that although Saskatoon and area people do value the park, they do not believe the ski hill should be heavily subsidized.

"This was not an easy decision," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "Mount Blackstrap will always remind us of the tremendous community effort mobilized to create a venue for ski racing and ski jumping events at the 1971 Canada Games. While acknowledging that legacy, we are now looking forward to exploring the full potential for outdoor recreational opportunities at Blackstrap Provincial Park."

The ministry will now hire a consultant to develop a Blackstrap Provincial Park Renewal Plan. The consultant will engage area residents and stakeholders to develop recommendations the ministry can use to improve the recreational offerings at Blackstrap Provincial Park. This builds on public input already collected through a survey and public meetings held in 2008 and government's existing commitment to invest in and improve the provincial park system as a whole. As part of the improvement plan, government is more than half-way toward its goal to upgrade or add electrical service to 1000 campsites in the provincial park system by 2011.

"Summer visitation at Blackstrap Provincial Park has increased significantly over the past few years," Duncan said. "Blackstrap is an important part of the provincial park system. It is close to Saskatoon and is a wonderful park for people from the area to enjoy. Government is committed to enhancing and facilitating viable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the province. Saskatoon is growing and with that growth there is an increased demand for outdoor recreation in the area. Blackstrap, Danielson, Douglas and Pike Lake provincial parks are natural areas to consider for future development to meet those demands."

The remaining ski hill assets are expected to be removed by spring 2010 and sold.

To learn more about Saskatchewan's provincial parks visit www.saskparks.net.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Janet Peters
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4967
Email: janet.peters@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-4909