Report from the Legislature – December 15, 2016

Welcome to Saskatchewan!

Saskatchewan’s population continues to grow.

Our provincial population grew by 4,761 people in last quarter, an increase of 18,007 people over the past year.  This brings us to a record 1,155,393 people who call Saskatchewan home.

We have welcomed 162,000 new residents in the past 10 years.  This decade of sustained growth is the most growth that Saskatchewan has seen in a 10-year period since 1922-1932.

Saskatchewan continues to attract people to the many opportunities available here and these numbers show the strength and resilience of our province, despite challenges in the resource sector.

Regina Bypass Construction On-Time, On-Budget

Construction of the largest transportation infrastructure project in Saskatchewan history is now 40% complete with the east end of the project on track to be finished ahead of schedule.

A year-end update shows that the Bypass project is being delivered on-time and on-budget with the construction phase lasting until 2019.

The construction phase includes:

  • 12 overpasses;
  • 40 kilometres of new four-lane highway;
  • 20 kilometres of resurfaced four-lane highway;
  • 55 kilometres of new service roads; and
  • Twinning of approximately five kilometres of Highway 6.

The Regina Bypass is designed improve safety, reduce congestion and allow people to travel safely on the Trans-Canada Highway near Regina.

Saskatchewan Provincial Parks Set Visitation Record

Saskatchewan’s provincial parks and recreation sites hit a new attendance record of nearly four million visits in 2016.  This is an increase of 108,000 visits over last year.

New initiatives, including the opening of a new, 63-site campground at Blackstrap Provincial Park and the introduction of online reservations for fall camping in some locations helped to boost visitation.

In addition to new and improved capital infrastructure, visitors continue to return for programs and activities offered in provincial parks.  One new program this year, Learn to Fish, was very popular.

Applications for the seasonal camping program will be available January 4, 2017.  Seasonal camping applications will be accepted until February 2 and the draws will be made February 6.

Further information on the seasonal camping program is available at www.saskparks.net, and details on the nightly campsite reservation launch will be announced in the new year.