Location: Marina in Cypress Hills Provincial Park and West side of Main Beach.

Timing: May to October 2025

Please be advised that Alberta Forestry and Parks is closing the area encompassing the Elkwater Lake Marina, to support marina refurbishment construction activities.

Construction activities will include:

• Removal of wood boardwalk and finger docks, replaced with concrete boardwalk and floating finger docks.
• Replacement of floating breakwater with earth berm breakwater.
• Repair of boat launch ramp.
• Riprap installation to protect seawalls from erosion.
• Added and improved accessibility including a mobility lift.
• Increased fishing and personal watercraft opportunities.

The area is being closed:

• To reduce danger to the general public as contractors work in the area moving heavy equipment and materials on land and in water
• For construction efficiency
• It is more time and cost effective to complete this project during optimal warm weather conditions.
• The contractor needs to be able to work without public safety concerns.

Other facilities and services in Cypress Hills Provincial Park will not be impacted. Visitors looking for water recreation alternatives can call the Alberta Parks Information Line at 1-877-537-2757 or stop by the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre.

ADVISORY – Elkwater arborist work in road right-of-ways

Arborists will be removing trees in road rights of ways that are adjacent to parks property or vacant lots until April 15^th.

No more work will be conducted in front of leased cottage lots at this time.

Road right of ways extend beyond the road surface and can include ditches and some area beyond.

Keeping road right of ways clear:

• Reduces the overall fire load in the subdivision
• Improves snow clearing
• Increases sightlines
• Maintains proper drainage in ditches

A FireSmart project to enhance wildfire resiliency and community safety within Cypress Hills Provincial Park is ongoing.

Project 1: Arborist Work in Elkwater Townsite/Ranger's Trail/Sprinkler Trail

• Start Date: January 6, 2025
• Duration: Work is expected to continue into spring 2025, weather permitting, and resume in the fall.
• Scope of Work: This project will focus on applying FireSmart principles within the Elkwater townsite this work will only take place on park property, including:
• Removal of unhealthy and overmature coniferous trees in townsite areas.
• Pruning and spacing of healthy coniferous trees to FireSmart guidelines.
• Clearing of trees and brush from surveyed alley and road corridors.
• Removal of coniferous trees near the Park entrance (helipad) and adjacent to Lakeview Drive past the check-in booth.
• Removal of coniferous trees from vacant Park lots.
• No work or tree removal will be completed on leased lots.
• Performing maintenance and upgrades to Fire Protection Sprinkler line.  Chainsaw work, falling trees, burning brush piles.  Work will be completed by hand crews

What to Expect:

Residents and visitors to the Elkwater townsite can expect to see work crews and equipment operating in the areas mentioned above. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this important project.

Crews will be working Monday – Saturday for the duration of the project.

You can also contact the Park Visitor Centre at 403-893-3833 ext.5

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to make Cypress Hills Provincial Park a safer place for everyone.

What to Expect:

Residents and visitors may observe heavy equipment operating within the park. There will be increased noise levels during this period, and temporary closures of certain areas may be necessary for safety. We appreciate your patience and understanding as these essential projects are completed.

Why FireSmart?

The FireSmart program is a national initiative designed to help communities reduce the risk of wildfire damage. By strategically removing vegetation and creating fuel breaks, we can enhance the safety of residents, visitors, and the natural ecosystem of Cypress Hills Provincial Park.

For More Information:

You can also contact the Park Visitor Centre at 403-893-3833 ext.5

Please refer to the attached map for the location of the forest containment line (shown in green).