The Government of Saskatchewan is providing the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association (SRPA) with a grant of $1.023 million for the 2015-16 fiscal year. In addition, the Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed a new Regional Parks Act and associated regulations that will delegate certain powers to SRPA to help them in their mandate to develop, maintain and promote Saskatchewan鈥檚 regional park system.
鈥淩egional parks showcase the Saskatchewan spirit,鈥� Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. 鈥淭hey are special places in our communities that thrive due to the dedication of volunteers. This grant will allow regional parks to improve the experience of their visitors and will keep Saskatchewan鈥檚 regional park system strong for many years to come.鈥�
The SRPA will distribute the grant funds to regional parks. Grants are available to a maximum of $25,000 per park, and are cost-shared up to 50 per cent of project costs. Regional park capital grants enable parks to complete important work on their facilities and infrastructure, helping to improve the visitor experience and sustainability of the parks. In addition to the grant, the Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed a new Act and regulations to govern the regional parks this spring.
These regulations outline a five-year agreement that will delegate certain ministerial powers to SRPA. The administrative powers will help the SRPA to assist individual parks with their governance.
鈥淭hank you to the Government of Saskatchewan for continuing to support the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association with this generous matching grant,鈥� Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association president John Froese said. 鈥淭his grant will help regional parks to make important infrastructure improvements, allowing us to provide the best possible experience to our visitors. In addition, we are delighted that the Regional Parks Act 2013 and associated regulations have also been proclaimed, and that we have a new five year working agreement with the government. This partnership will help us to strengthen our regional park system and make plans for the future.鈥�
In 2008, the government committed $2.4 million over four years to Saskatchewan Regional Parks. This commitment was exceeded, with $3.15 million being granted over the four-year period. The government has continued its investment in the regional park system and the total investment since 2008 is more than $7 million.
