Improvements for Gregoire Lake

Gregoire Lake Provincial Park will continue to see repairs this summer.

The provincial government has committed to $54.2 million for improvements to campgrounds, new picnic tables and improved infrastructure.

The funding is part of a $239 million five year plan to revitalize and expand the provincial parks system.

For parks in Northeast Alberta the government has allocated $7.5-million, which includes the Gregoire Lake reconstruction.

“Albertans want more places to camp and hike with their families and better facilities and playgrounds when they get there. We’re investing so all Albertans can get out and enjoy our beautiful wild spaces,” said Minister of Environment and Parks, Shannon Philips.

Shyla Wiest from Alberta Parks said that there were already plans to make improvements to the the park before the wildfire.

The park did suffer significant damage as a result of the fire and a lot of work has to be done to ensure it is safe before people could be allowed back in.

Improvements coming in the first phase of the construction include:

• Improved day use area
• Improved boat launch area
• Main areas throughout the whole park are being paved
• New store
• New registration booth
• New shower building
• Electric hookups for all campground sites

In the future additional group sites will be available for campers to book.

Gregoire Lake is anticipating to open on June 28, 2017 dependent on weather and construction.

The Anzac Day Use Area is currently open and a boat launch is available at the south shore.

Camping for the May long weekend is available at Hangingstone and Crow Lake.