The provincial government announced a $1.1 million dollar project Friday to create a new visitor centre for Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. 

The existing ski chalet building in the park, originally built in 1972, will be renovated and converted into a multi-purpose facility by Regina-based Westridge Construction. The work is set to start this year and is expected to be wrapped up in time to open the centre next summer. 

"Buffalo Pound is a beautiful park with so much for visitors to enjoy," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Laura Ross said. "The repurposed visitor centre will be a great addition, serving many purposes that will benefit a number of park users well into the future." 

"The selection of the construction team is an important milestone for this project," SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister Jim Reiter said. "This new visitor centre will not only provide park visitors a gathering place for years to come. Its construction will support our economy as we recover from the global pandemic and continue to build a strong Saskatchewan." 

The renovation work will see complete interior and exterior refurbishment of the building. Exterior work will also include a large new deck and an accessible ramp along with other related site developments.