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In a province where it feels like it snows almost all year, it’s only fair that everyone should be able to enjoy the sun, and the lake.
That’s the sentiment behind a new fully accessible dock at Katepwa Point Provincial Park, a small, day-use park in the Qu’Appelle Valley.
The dock aims to simplify the lake experience for everyone. It features a gently sloping ramp, non-slip surfaces, and a specialized system that allows for seamless access from a wheelchair to a paddle boat, kayak, or canoe.
“We are incredibly proud to open this accessible dock, which provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of being on the water,” MLA for Last Mountain-Touchwood, Travis Keisig, said in a news release.
The new accessible dock that just opened at Katepwa Point Provincial Park features a gently sloping ramp, non-slip surfaces, and a variety of other features that makes access to the water a lot easier. (Roman Hayter/980 CJME)
Shelley MacLean is the park manager for Echo Valley and Katepwa Point Provincial Park, andsaid that she’s already seen the dock being used.
“We had a lady visit us; she was in a wheelchair, and she was able to come from her campervan, through our accessible trail system, made her way out onto the dock, and was able to independently load herself into a kayak. She had her first independent paddle, and was able to share that experience with us,” MacLean said.
She recalled another story where a woman with severe arthritis in her knees was able to use the new dock.
“She was having a hard time getting up and down at sand level into a kayak, and she wanted to paddle with her sister, so she was utilizing the dock system, and she actually showed how easy it was to get in and out of a kayak,” said MacLean.
The cost for the project was $88,000, and was made possible through a combination of provincial funding and contributions from community partners, including the Saskatchewan Trails Association and Trans Canada Trail.
The installation of the accessible dock is part of a broader initiative to improve accessibility throughout provincial parks, with future plans including upgraded pathways, additional seating areas, and enhanced signs.
Saskatchewan’s provincial parks offer a variety of accessible options for visitors, including accessible campsites, beach wheelchairs at most parks, accessible hiking trails, and accessible swimming pools at Buffalo Pound and Pike Lake.
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