Saskatchewan provincial parks need corporate sponsorship to help keep them operating.
Lorne Scott, minister responsible for the park system, said Saskatchewan Wheat Pool has contributed $20,000 to keep the musical group Saskatchewan Express on tour through 10 parks this summer. Labatt Breweries has donated $10,000 for 40 picnic tables.
“Increased government funding by itself is not sufficient to address the park system’s financial and operational requirements,” he said, while announcing the government’s new parks plan. “There is a need to be creative in generating additional revenues and getting support from others in operating and managing our parks system.”
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But opposition parties said accepting sponsorship from a brewery after recently stepping up enforcement of laws restricting where people can drink in provincial parks is hypocritical. Alcohol can only be consumed in tents, campers and motorhomes, Scott said.
“Are they sending a mixed message there?” asked PC MLA Dan D’Autremont.
Scott said the sponsorship will be acknowledged through “discreet” signs, not large banners. He said both the government and the breweries promote moderate drinking and obeying the law.
The use of sponsorship money was one of seven areas highlighted in the parks plan, which is the final report from the 1996 Parks Tomorrow consultation.
The report also calls for increasing public involvement through local advisory committees, increasing visitation by working more closely with groups like Tourism Saskatchewan, and protecting natural and cultural resources.
Infrastructure funding
One of the key areas is a 10-year capital improvement plan focusing on basic infrastructure including roads, water and sewage. This year’s budget includes $2.5 million for such projects, an increase of $1.7 million from the year before.
“Most of our infrastructure is 30 years old and in need of repair,” Scott said.
There are 34 provincial parks in Saskatchewan, plus 22 protected areas, eight historic sites and 137 recreation sites. More than 60 percent of park buildings were built before 1970, and some do not meet health and safety standards.
Scott said the message from last year’s public meetings was that people want all the parks kept open and improved as the government is able to do so.
Liberal MLA June Draude said the parks plan is positive, but there is no mention of regional parks.
“One must question why this government has failed to provide the same kind of financial commitment for the more than 100 locations which make up our regional park system,” she said, adding the new money for provincial parks is almost identical to what was taken from the regional parks budget.
