Backgrounder: Federal investments boost Saskatchewan tourism experiences

PrairiesCan is investing over $2 million in nine Saskatchewan tourism projects through the Tourism Growth Program (TGP). These investments support unique tourism experiences throughout the province that will provide local, national and global visitors with opportunities to enjoy Saskatchewan’s distinct landscape and rich culture.

TGP provides $108 million over three years to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations in developing local tourism products and experiences. The program complements other federal, provincial and territorial supports for tourism and contributes to the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy, which charts a course for long-term growth, investment, and stability in Canada’s tourism industry.

• The Ridge on Amisk Resort Inc., Denare Beach, SK - $221,564
  This tourist spot is undergoing renovations including heating and electrical improvements, purchase of snow removal equipment, and upgrades to the sewer and water system to expand a seasonal operation for year-round service. This expansion allows the Resort to add new winter activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing and aurora viewing, as well as adding seasonal Indigenous activities to their tourist offerings.

• Blackstrap Glamping Resort Ltd. / JTS Tasty Treats Ltd. operating as Little Kahunas, Dundurn, SK - $250,000
  The recipient is creating a four-season, luxury glamping experience in Blackstrap Provincial Park, including six fully equipped luxury geodomes, site preparation, utility services, interior finishing, decor, furnishings, and hiring four full-time equivalent staff. Visitors to Blackstrap enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities including biking, fishing, water sports, hiking, bird watching, sailing, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.

• Cypress Hills Eco-Adventures Ltd., Maple Creek, SK - $250,000
  Funding is helping this organization, operating as Treeosix Adventure Parks, build new rental accommodations within the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. The new “dark sky suites” with custom astronomical viewing areas showcase the site’s unobstructed view as a Dark Sky Preserve, a designation given to Cypress Hills by Parks Canada, and Alberta and Saskatchewan parks’ authorities, in 2004.

• Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Saskatoon, SK - $250,000
  This museum is developing tourism experiences and implementing a digital strategy to raise their profile and increase visitor numbers. Established in 1936, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada is North America’s oldest Ukrainian museum and houses the largest Ukrainian textile collections in North America, along with thousands of other artefacts and artworks.

• Waterhen Eco Lodge Ltd., Waterhen Lake, SK - $250,000
  The recipient, operating as Waters Edge Eco Lodge, is upgrading water treatment capacity and expanding their commercial kitchen. They are also implementing a marketing plan, including a digital marketing strategy for this Indigenous-owned tourism facility. Waters Edge Eco Lodge is an all-season tourism destination on the shores of Greig Lake, within the Meadow Lake Provincial Park.

• Mounted Police Heritage Centre, Regina, SK - $205,000
  The Centre, operating as the RCMP Heritage Centre, is developing two new tourism experiences that will expand the centre's product offering to the shoulder seasons. The RCMP Heritage Centre is a place of discovery, exploration, reflection, and reconciliation. Guests of the RCMP Heritage Centre can experience both the historical and modern-day stories of the RCMP through a variety of traditional and multi-media exhibits, and rich educational programming.

• Whitecap Dakota First Nation, Whitecap, SK - $156,510
  Whitecap Dakota First Nation is establishing a cutting-edge Geodesic Dome Planetarium at Dakota Dunes Resort, enhancing their renowned stargazing experience with an immersive, year-round attraction. This facility will promote astronomy education and eco-friendly tourism, while minimizing environmental impact.

• Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS), Regina, SK - $250,000
  The CÉCS, a Francophone Economic Development Organization (FEDO) and leader in the development of Francophone tourism in Saskatchewan, is receiving support to enable them to develop two new Economuseums®, integrate augmented reality technology into at least three Economuseums® and promote these unique sites across the province. Economuseums® are part of an international model that transforms viable craft enterprises into genuine tourist attractions. They offer visitors an immersion in traditional know-how, allowing them to meet the craftsman directly at his place of work and witness his creative process.

• MLTC Program Services Inc., Meadow Lake, SK - $250,000
  To help grow the Indigenous tourism industry in northwest Saskatchewan, MLTC Program Services Inc. is implementing a regional marketing plan and supports, including product development, marketing tools, on-line sales development and a booking system. MLTC represents nine First Nations with over 19,000 members.

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• News release: Federal investments boost Saskatchewan tourism experiences