The Government of Alberta invested more than $8 million into redeveloping Gregoire Lake Provincial Park, including $1.6 million this year after it was badly damaged by the 2016 wildfire.
This year’s investment will fund additional repairs and upgrades such as the construction and installation of shelters in the group-use camping sites, electrification of the group-use camping sites and completion of all fire-related repairs and reconstruction.
The park reopened for the 2018 May long weekend for the first time after two years and an estimated 2,000 people visited the day-use area and boat launch each day.
“I was at the park the day Fort McMurray was evacuated. It was an incredibly emotional day, so it was an unbelievable experience to welcome everyone – including some of the very same people who evacuated here in 2016 – back to the park. Gregoire Lake Provincial Park is incredibly important to the residents of Fort McMurray, and I couldn’t be more proud of all of the people who dedicated significant time and energy to ensure it was open,” said Shyla Wiest, Alberta Parks area manager, Athabasca-Fort McMurray, Northeast Division.
Visitors to Gregoire Lake will now also be able to enjoy expanded and improved day-use facilities, expanded parking lots, repaved and widened roads, campsites with 30 amp electrical service and a new shower building with a check-in office and concession which will be available later this summer. Group camping will be expanded in 2019.
