Some campers being moved, refunded as late spring impacts Sask. park openings

It may be considered by some to be the “unofficial start to summer, but this year’s May long weekend is encouraging campers to enjoy provincial parks despite some lingering signs of winter.

The Victoria Day long weekend in Saskatchewan has a track record of not strictly following the calendar when it comes to weather, with this year providing extreme example for some provincial parks that still have snow on the ground and ice on the water.

Read more:

• Business as usual in Waskesiu for upcoming long weekend, despite prolonged thaw
• Waskesiu Golf Course still waiting for snow to melt
• Water levels to stay high in central Saskatchewan as widespread flooding continues

“It’s unfortunate and it does impact our opening day here on Thursday the 14th, because the cold, the slow thaw, is really problematic for us,” Paul Johnson, Assistant Deputy Minister with Parks, Culture and Sport, said in an interview.

One of the major challenges from the late spring thaw is that in some parks, underground water lines are still frozen.

“Even if we do get it running late … we still will be under a boil water advisory, because that takes a couple of days for testing and getting the test results back,” Johnson explained. “So the conditions, with respect to water and campsites, are variable, and people, if they are planning to head out – which I hope they do – check with the park before arriving, watch our website and and just do your research so that you know what’s available when you get there.”

Candle Lake Provincial Park said it will have only non-drinkable water available at water points for campers.

“Water will be available for things like dish washing and general washing,” Johnson said. “It’s not drinkable at that point in time, because we just haven’t had them running long enough to get the test results back and make sure it’s safe to drink.”

He added that could also mean no shower facilities at some parks.

Good Spirit Lake at risk of flooding

While provincial parks have escaped damage from the flooding so far, Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park, located northwest of Yorkton, was under threat on Wednesday from rising water levels.

“We are watching very closely, first off, cottages that are along the lake that are at risk in the provincial park,” Johnson said, “but also our beach. And our beach at Good Spirit is one of the crown jewels of the province, of course, with the sand and the beautiful shallow waters there.”

He added that the boat launch could also be at risk, if water levels continue to rise.

It isn’t clear yet when the water level is expected to peak. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said more information might be available in its Thursday briefing.

However, Johnson said rain in the forecast was adding to worries about the flood threat.

People encouraged to enjoy parks despite signs of winter

At Greenwater Lake Provincial Park, there is still some snow on the ground – and a lot of ice on the lake.

Payton McMartin, who works at Greenwater Cabin Rentals, hopes that doesn’t deter people.

“We’re hoping a lot of people are still going to come, just so they can kind of get back in the groove of summer and hopefully bring more people to the lake,” she said. “I know that’s a big priority for a lot of people, so we’re hoping to keep it busy here.”

While the only part of the lake that’s open is the marina, McMartin said people were doing quite well fishing there.

Johnson said if people are planning on boating and fishing in a lake that’s been affected, they can consider changing their plans to another park.

“We can’t open our boat launches, of course, when there’s still ice on the lake, because it’s very unsafe to do so,” he explained. “So if that’s a big part of your your trip, there are other parks and lakes where the boat launches are open, the docks are in and the lakes are ready to go.”

He also warned that high wind speeds combined with ice can impact the shoreline.

As for the campgrounds, he said it’s going to be necessary to relocate some campers to areas that haven’t been impacted as much by the weather. People are also being offered refunds if they decide against being moved.

People with seasonal campsites are also being advised of conditions ahead of time, and Johnson said for at least this long weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to change plans to a different park.

“It’s not like a July long weekend when we’re full, we can’t accommodate change requests,” he said. “We’ve got all kinds of opportunity to to welcome guests to different parks if they so choose.

“Those that are interested in getting out to our northern lakes – where there still might be ice, where there still might be chilly temperatures – I’m happy to say we don’t have any campfire restrictions going in this weekend or this week. So, people can enjoy a really nice, warm, cozy campfire, and that’s also a big part of the camping experience.”

Johnson added despite the weather conditions, there will be plenty to do in the parks, from walking trails to visiting park vendors and businesses.