Richard Froese
South Peace News

Big Lakes County supports Spruce Point Park Association in its funding application to extend the breakwater in Lesser Slave Lake.

At its regular meeting Aug. 28, council approved a letter of support for the association’s application for funding from the Community Facility Enhancement Program to extend the breakwater at Spruce Point Park west of Kinuso.

“The extension of the breakwater is vital in order to remain operational for the future,” says a letter from the association signed by Linda Wedmid.

“With low lake levels, the marina channel has become inoperable, which is affecting our revenue and causing a loss of tourism in our surrounding area.”

Spruce Point Park has been invited to complete the full application for the CFEP large stream grant, the letter states.

“We are applying for funding to extend the breakwater with a rough cost of $1 million, the letter states.

Wedmid says the association plans to use funds left in trust with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans as matching funds.

Council strongly supports the association in its grant application.

“Big Lakes County extends full support to Spruce Point Park Association for the full application for the purpose of extending the breakwater at Spruce Point Park,” Reeve Tyler Airth says in the letter of support.

“The extension is anticipated to provide an easier and safer access for public use, as well as increase overall tourism for the season. Spruce Point Park Association has continuously shown their commitment to promoting recreational wellness and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.”

The association letter states the grant application was due by Aug. 31.