Little Red River Park’s toboggan hill will eventually be able to make its own snow after Prince Albert city council approved the next phase of improvements to the popular winter recreation site Monday.
Council approved a $100,000 Phase Two project funded by the Malcolm Jenkins Family Foundation in partnership with the Rotary Club of Prince Albert and the City.
The largest purchase is a $56,750 SMI Super Polecat snowmaker. The machine will allow the City to supplement natural snowfall when conditions are poor, build a more reliable snow base and potentially extend the hill’s operating season.
The City’s report says existing resources will be used to transport and deploy the snowmaker, while existing City facilities will be used for storage.
Parks Manager Tim Yeaman told council the snowmaker will also give crews more control over how the hill is shaped during winter.
“What will change, though, is shoring up some of those areas that are currently eroding,” Yeaman said. He said riders will still be able to get good distance on the hill, but manufactured snow will allow staff to shape it differently and make better use of the site.
The full second phase is not expected to be complete until the 2027-28 winter season. Yeaman said the City wants to secure the snowmaker now because its cost continues to inrease.
He said the equipment will come from the United States, adding that the city could not find a Canadian supplier for that type of snowmaking equipment.
The City’s report also identified exchange rates and increasing border duty costs as risks if the purchase is delayed, along with inflation and product price increases.
The purchase comes amid ongoing Canada-U.S. trade tensions that have increased uncertainty around cross-border costs. Premier Scott Moe said Wednesday that U.S. tariffs now affect about six per cent of Saskatchewan’s economy, while Canadian counter-tariffs affect about 11 per cent of Saskatchewan imports from the U.S., representing roughly $1.6 billion in goods.
Monday’s approval continues work council backed in July, when it approved $122,066.15 for grading, an accessible walking path, erosion control, seeding and cedar fencing. That phase was largely funded through $100,000 raised by the Rotary Club through its 2025 Lobsterfest fundraiser.
During that earlier discussion, Parks, Recreation and Culture Director Jody Boulet said artificial snow and proper grooming could improve safety while still allowing features such as jumps to remain part of the experience.
Phase Two also includes $12,000 for recognition signage, $10,000 for picnic tables, waste receptacles and other amenities, and $2,500 for security cameras. The City is also working with SOS Electric Ltd. on donated lighting components and installation.
Coun. Daniel Brown questioned the $12,000 signage cost. Yeaman said the sign will recognize multiple project partners, will be larger than typical park signage and is expected to include lighting. Brown also raised privacy concerns about the proposed cameras. Yeaman said the City will consult its privacy officer and include appropriate signage before proceeding.
Council approved the project unanimously after the discussion.
arjun.pillai@paherald.sk.ca
