The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to creating opportunities for recreation and conservation that will enhance our quality of life, create economic opportunities and continue to make Saskatchewan stronger.

The Ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport is consulting on a proposal to consolidate the Emma Lake and Anglin Lake Recreation Sites and some adjacent Crown land into a new provincial park.

The consultations will enable the ministry to share, with you, information regarding the proposal and to hear your ideas about it.

We Want to Hear from You

A public survey was conducted on the proposed new parks.  If you would like to add your input, please direct your comments to input2tpcs@gov.sk.ca.

Contact Information:

Jim Nick, Planning and Legislation Specialist
Phone: (306) 787-3105
E-mail: input2tpcs@gov.sk.ca

Media Inquiries:

Jennifer Johnson, Communications
Phone: (306) 787-0619
Email: jennifer.johnson@gov.sk.ca

Public Consultations

The purpose of public consultations is to provide:

• current, accurate information regarding the intent, rationale and potential implications of creating a new provincial park in the area;
   
• an open and transparent process that engages the public, First Nations and Métis communities, community leaders, businesses and other stakeholders in a dialogue about the potential opportunities and concerns that may result from creating a new park; and
   
• an opportunity to gather information that will help guide future park land use planning and development.

First Nations and Métis Community Consultations

A separate process will invite First Nations and Métis communities to engage in a dialogue. This action reflects government’s Duty to Consult policy.

TPCS is specifically looking for feedback on the following:

• proposed park boundaries;
   
• current uses of the proposed park area;
   
• future infrastructure recommendations; and
   
• possible future recreation opportunities.

In the 2010 Throne Speech, government committed to establishing new provincial parks. 

TPCS selected the Emma Lake and Anglin Lake Recreation Sites because of their potential to protect important environmental and cultural features and to improve outdoor recreation opportunities.

The proposal is to consolidate 3,189 hectares of the two existing recreation sites plus adjacent Crown land into a park of approximately 12,000 hectares. The Anglin Lake and Emma Lake Recreation Sites have a total of 294 campsites. The attached map shows the proposed park near the Village of Christopher Lake - an area that is popular for land and water-based recreation.

The area is located in the mid-boreal upland ecoregion of Saskatchewan. Forest tree cover is primarily trembling aspen and white spruce intermixed with jack pine and white birch. Black spruce, balsam poplar and tamarack are found in the wetter, boggy areas. The landscape typically consists of gentle rolling hills and intermediate slopes. Watersheds in the area include the Sturgeon, Spruce and White Fox Rivers. Wildlife found in the area are boreal forest animals such as moose, elk, white-tailed deer, black bear and the grey wolf. Many bird species and furbearers are also common.

The area is known as the Lakeland and is considered the gateway to Saskatchewan’s beautiful northern shield country.

Benefits of Designation

Expanded Recreation and Tourism Opportunities

The area is located in a popular land and water-based recreational area. The Emma Lake and Anglin Lake recreation sites are close to large urban and rural populations. The recreation sites operate at, or near capacity. The proposal would add Crown land to the existing recreation sites enabling the expansion or creation of recreation opportunities sensitive to the natural area such as trail development and backcountry camping. This may also serve to encourage local economic opportunities such as equipment rentals, rental accommodation, guiding and outfitting.

Enhanced Conservation

The proposed park will enhance the protection of environmentally and culturally sensitive areas. Several plant species in the area are “species of concern” as identified by the Ministry of Environment. Expanded protection will be provided to the common loon and blue heron habitat areas. Following designation, additional planning with respect to ecosystem management/vegetation planning can address core area tree health and work towards maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem in the backcountry of the proposed park.

Existing Infrastructure

This proposal is to build on the facilities within the existing recreation sites. There is a range of current facilities such as campgrounds, picnic sites, beaches and hiking trails in both recreation sites and good public access that can be enhanced. There are 216 campsites at the Emma Lake Recreation Site and 78 at the Anglin Lake Recreation Site. Year-round recreation opportunities have led to numerous resort-type recreation services developing adjacent to the two recreation sites.

Adjacent Crown Land

The existence of Crown land adjacent to the recreation sites provides a good opportunity to incorporate sufficient land to ensure strong support for conservation efforts in the area. No private land would be included in a future park.

Frequently Asked Questions

How would this impact existing cottage subdivisions?

• Existing cottage subdivisions would be excluded from a new park so current municipal fee structure and governance will not change.
   
• Cottage owners in cottage subdivisions would have unrestricted access to their property.
   
• There are no plans to implement park entry fees.

How would this impact future development?

• Consideration will be given to the appropriate park classification and a zoning process will be used to direct development and protect special natural and cultural areas.
   
• TPCS is committed to a planning process involving full consultation. This process considers the interests of all users and examines the recreation carrying capacity of the area.

How would this impact the environment?

• The proposed park will enable the province to work with local stakeholders and First Nations and Métis communities to develop conservation initiatives designed to protect the area for future generations.
   
• Examples include:
  • developing core area vegetation management plans to address tree health, aesthetics and public safety within the core area;
  • developing an ecosystem/vegetation management promoting a healthy, vibrant ecosystem offering high-value recreation opportunities and experiences; and
  • protecting and managing fisheries and wildlife including “species of concern”.

Will hunting, fishing and trapping be allowed?

• Hunting, fishing and trapping are important fish and wildlife management tools and will continue within a future park. Please refer to the Ministry of Environment’s Hunting and Trapping and Angling Guides for examples of how these activities are managed in existing provincial parks.