By Sarah Wallace

P.A. National Park ready to provide free entry

Jan 20, 2017 | 5:00 AM

The Prince Albert National Park is gearing up for the year ahead.

Brennan Bunko, promotions officer for the park, said entry into all places managed by Parks Canada will free this year.

He said that includes national parks, historical sites and marine conservation areas.

“Here in Saskatchewan we have two national parks, the Prince Albert National Park, about 90 km North of Prince Albert, and there’s also Grasslands National Park,” Bunko said.

Also included with the free entry are Batoche and Fort Battleford National Historic Sites along with the other six manned historic sites in the province.

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“A lot of people like to go to the mountain parks and those parks will be free as well, so Banff, Jasper, Glacier National Park, places like that,” Bunko said.

The reason for the free entry this year is to help celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.

Bunko said it’s the government’s initiative to make sure that residents in the province are aware of the national parks in Saskatchewan.

He said the P.A. National Park’s mandate is to preserve, protect and present areas of natural beauty and ecosystems.

“One of the biggest strengths we have to push our mandate is to educate the public. So by allowing free entry we’re hoping people take the time to come up and enjoy these places. For them to come up and see them is one of the ways that we’re going to create brand ambassadors and people who are really aware of what Canada has to offer; natural ecosystems, wildlife,” Bunko said.

He said there is also an indoor skating rink for people to take advantage of.

“We’ve been getting cooler than normal weather so if you come out here … the indoor rink is a good way to get out of the wind,” he said.

Bunko said there are lots of activities planned for the year ahead.

Waskesiu Snow Days begins on Feb. 17 and include lots of snow activities, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and interpretive programs.

Bunko said the spring and summer months will include a big Canada Day celebration, Children’s Festival and the Lakeside Music Festival in August.

Free passes to the national parks can be picked up at the visitor centre in Waskesiu or by visiting the Park’s Canada website.

Over the last few years the P.A. National Park has seen a steady increase in visitors.

In 2015-2016 the park saw 258,613 visitors which brought $1,020,679 in admission fees.

Communications officer Meaghan Bradley said in an email that $83.3 million was set aside as funding over five years to Parks Canada to help support the free admission for visitors this year.

The funding will also go towards supporting free entry into national parks for children or youth under 18 years old beginning in 2018.

“A percentage of that funding will be allocated to Prince Albert National Park to offset revenue lost during this year based on revenue the park generated during previous year,” Bradley said.

She said it’s important to remember that even though admission will be free this year other park items like fishing licences and firewood will still come at a cost.

“It is anticipated that free entry will result in an increase in visitation which will directly lead to additional revenue from sales of these services and goods,” Bradley said.

swallace@panow.com

On Twitter: @sarahthesquid 

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story mentioned snowmobiling activities located in the townsite of Waskesiu. Snowmobiling is not permitted in the national park.