Plans to revitalize Mount Blackstrap took a step forward Tuesday when the province met with parties interested in purchasing and renovating the ski hill.
The meeting was an opportunity for the province to answer questions about the bidding process and the park itself. “The meeting today may sway them one way or the other,” Kevin Engel, minister of Parks, Culture, and Sport said.
While most of the potential investors chose to remain anonymous, Torey Spink, a businessman from British Columbia who used to work at the park, is open about his multi-million dollar plan. Spink wants to update the hill and add some new winter activities, but his plans expand to all-year operations as well.
“We want do it year round with all facilities. That’s our goal and our project an I’m very excited,” Spink said.
To bring new life to the Blackstrap beach front, Spink wants to add a wedding chapel, biking and hiking trails, and a zip line. According to Spink, everything is already ready to go – including a lodge that’s already built and just needs to be relocated.
Saskatchewan Parks also wants to see Blakstrap become a four-seasons destination. “It’s got a lot of opportunity here. The lake, the hill, the landscape. That’s here,” Engel said.
None of the potential investors have handed in a proposal yet. The deadline to turn the interest shown Tuesday into a reality is April 9.
