Two men who grew up in the Kamsack area and refer to Duck Mountain Provincial Park (DMPP) as “part of our backyard” have formed a partnership and will focus on long-term strategies to create changes in the Park that will affect future generations.
Robert Ritchie and Fred Perepiolkin have formed Madge Lake Developments, a company that was successful in its bid to obtain all of the business units which were up for tender within the Park, which included the Pickerel Point Concession and marina, the rental cabins, rental condos and the Duck Mountain Lodge.
“Our company submitted a tender application in November of 2017, and it was accepted by the parks ministry in February,” Ritchie said.
“We have always seen the potential that exists in the Park, so our business venture will make our vision a reality,” said Perepiolkin.
Madge Lake Developments was formed in 2017 when an opportunity arose in the Park for someone to operate the Pickerel Point Concession and marina.
“We took on the Pickerel Point venture as an internal test, and it turned out to be successful,” said Ritchie. “We learned a lot about what is required to operate a business within a provincial park.”
Although the Pickerel Point venture was designed as a one-year project, only for the 2017 season, Ritchie and Perepiolkin were buoyed by their initial business success, and felt compelled to participate in the provincial government tender process when it was announced in November of 2017.
“Our mission is to make Duck Mountain Provincial Park the number one all-season resort destination in Saskatchewan,” said Ritchie. “We will continue to focus on long-term strategies at the Park.”
The business will initially concentrate its efforts on the Pickerel Point Concession and marina, and rental cabins and rental condos located at Ministik Beach.
“The Lodge will remain closed for at least a year,” said Ritchie. “We are working on a development plan but it will take some time.”
Project work has gotten underway, and the plan includes full renovation and rejuvenation of the condos and cabins.
Plans are in place to include hot, fast food at the Pickerel Point Concession, in addition to snacks, ice cream, novelties, camping basics and laundry services.
Premium gas will be available at the marina which will feature both boat and boat slip and rentals.
Madge Lake Developments is intent on pursuing several business opportunities at Duck Mountain Provincial Park, according to their vision statement.
“By upgrading and/or replacing current business facilities and implementing a strong marketing strategy, we will create long term value added services at Duck Mountain Provincial Park for the next 100 years, while preserving the pristine natural beauty of the park.
“In all proposed development the company shall adhere to the highest standards of environmental sustainability and responsibility,” it said.
Persons may check out the progress of Madge Lake Developments on its Facebook page and on its website, madgelake.info.
The Park opens on The Victoria Day long weekend in May which falls on the 19, 20 and 21 this year, and Madge Lake Developments is focused on having their infrastructure operational by mid-June.
