VISITOR CENTRE AND CAFÉ GRAND OPENING IN CYPRESS HILLS

This Canada Day marked the grand opening of the renovated Visitor Centre and the Bistro on the Lake in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

With new displays and interpretive programs, the revamped Visitor Centre will better help park visitors appreciate the unique landscapes, fascinating wildlife and rich history of the Cypress Hills area. They will also be able to enjoy healthy snacks or meals in the Bistro on the Lake and all in one convenient location.

"An excellent parks experience begins with access to excellent services," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Dustin Duncan said. "The renovated building housing the Visitor Centre and Bistro on the Lake will complement the many opportunities campers at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park already enjoy."

Previously operated in the administration building, the Visitor Centre has been relocated to the former Parks Café building. The renovated building now has space for both the Bistro on the Lake and the Visitor Centre. It has also undergone upgrades to improve energy efficiency.

The upgrades in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park are part of government's continuing commitment to enhance Saskatchewan's provincial parks system. The budget for capital improvements in the 09-10 year is nearly $11 million and will be used for a variety of projects including replacing or renovating service centres, entry kiosks, campground kiosks, picnic shelters, boat launches, picnic tables and barbeques.

These improvements are in addition to the 2008 announcement of a four-year plan to add electricity to 1,000 campsites. More than 300 of these sites are available for use this summer; another 295 will be available next year.

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For more information, contact:

Art Jones
Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3506
Cell: 306-550-5927