Sask. Party Will Add 1,000 More Campsites in Provincial Parks
On September 26, 2007, Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall said that if elected, his new government will create 1,000 more electrified campsites and invest an additional $20 million in Saskatchewan's provincial and regional parks over the next four years.
"Saskatchewan's parks are one of our greatest assets," Wall said. "Like many other Saskatchewan families, every summer my family loves to camp in Saskatchewan's provincial parks. I know from personal experience - and from hearing from many, many other campers - that there aren't enough campsites to accommodate everyone who wants to visit our parks. We simply need more campsites."
"This new investment will allow for the addition of 1,000 new electrified campsites in provincial parks, which is an increase of about 40 per cent. We would also direct some of these additional funds to much needed infrastructure improvements."
The Saskatchewan Party plan would provide an additional $2.5 million to improve programming at parks, hire more summer students, and increase security during long weekends. A Saskatchewan Party government would also be open to reviewing opportunities for new parks, including wilderness facilities to accommodate back-country camping. This will be done in consultation with communities and stakeholders.
To keep camping rates affordable, the free park entry program for seniors will be extended for another four years and the NDP government's much maligned 'wiener roast tax' would be eliminated.
"I'm also announcing that a Saskatchewan Party government would raise camping fees by two dollars for out-of-province visitors, a measure that will generate an extra $156,000 in revenue over the next four years," Wall said. "With the elimination of the wiener roast tax, out-of-province campers would still receive excellent value competitive with other jurisdictions."
The announcement also includes a plan to triple funding for regional parks in the province, an investment of $2.4 million over four years.
"This investment is also an important part of our plan to enhance tourism, since our parks are the second largest tourist attraction in Saskatchewan," Wall said.
Background Information
To view a copy of the Saskatchewan Party Plan to Build Pride in Our Parks, click here.
For more information, Saskatchewan Party, Regina, 359-1638