Waskesiu marina nominated for Sask. tourism award

A local marine attraction has been selected as a finalist for in the Saskatchewan Tourism Awards of Excellence.

The Waskesiu Marina Adventure Centre, located at Waskesiu Lake, was chosen as a finalist in the business of the year category for tourism businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees. Morris McLachlan, who has operated the Parks Canada-owned marina along with his wife Susan since 1999, said the secrets to the marina’s success are continued growth and excellent customer service.

“It’s all about giving the tourists an experience unlike any other experience they could get,” he said. “We try, each year, to offer new experiences.”

McLachlan said the marina underwent significant upgrades in the past two years thanks to funding from Parks Canada, and now offers 322 moorage slips for boaters.

“We’ve got new roads, we’ve got new parking lots, and in 2016 they demolished the old docking system and installed a new state-of-the-art floating system,” he said. “It’s easier when you just walk down to your boat and unhook two or three lines and go out on the water.”

Court proceedings

Drugs and weapons bust in Stanley Mission, results in two year sentence

15h ago

health care

La Loche recipient of new portable blood analyzer, printer kit

16h ago

Crime

Dangerous driving report at Red Wing, leads to arrest of man with gun

20h ago

This is not the first time the marina has been singled out by Saskatchewan Tourism. McLachlan said the business was a finalist for the past three years as well in the same category. The marina has also been a finalist in the business service excellence category, he said, and a long-time employee previously picked up the employee of the year award. McLachlan said it’s always nice for their work to be acknowledged.

“We’ve put a lot of hard work into our business, and to be recognized by Sask. Tourism for that was really satisfying and exciting at the same time,” he said.

The award winners will be announced in Regina on April 12.

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @PrinceAlbertNOW