At the Resort Village of Candle Lake, we're proud of the progress we've made in improving our recreational spaces and public areas. As we continue to develop and grow, our focus remains on creating vibrant, accessible areas for both
residents and visitors. This vision is rooted in the thoughtful use of Municipal Reserves (MR), guided by the Planning and Development Act, 2007, and a clear commitment to fostering community involvement in every step of the process.What Are Municipal Reserves?
Municipal Reserve land is located throughout the Resort Village and plays a central role in where and how we plan and develop public spaces. As defined by Saskatchewan’s Planning and Development Act, 2007, these lands are set aside for public benefit, including parks, recreation areas, natural spaces, and even public buildings. When new subdivisions are developed, landowners are required to dedicate 10% of the land to these reserves or provide an equivalent monetary contribution. This ensures we have the resources needed to create and maintain areas that align with our Official Community Plan and serve the people of Candle Lake.
Recent Progress and Our 20-Year Master Plan
Our commitment to recreational development is reflected in our 20-Year Master Plan for Parks, Open Spaces and Trails, which we launched in 2023. Andrea Crowdis, our Manager of Recreation and Community Relations, has been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward. Andrea, who is certified in playground inspection, has led several projects this year that we’re particularly excited about:
- Trail Improvements: We’ve enhanced the Simon Lehne and Lakeview Trails by resurfacing them with crusher dust, making them more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
- New Trails: One of this year’s projects was the creation of the Island View Trail, which provides access to the beach and features a picnic area that is accessible for all.
- Memorial Park Playground Renovations: We’ve revitalized this space to make it even more welcoming and for families to gather and relax.
- Fun Run Trail: With financial assistance from Fun Run Inc. we’ve connected Bayview Drive to the Resort Village Recreation Grounds with a new trail that encourages active lifestyles.
- Beach Access: We’ve defined and improved public access to Perch Place beach.
- Trailhead Upgrades: We’ve made important parking and access improvements at both Tapawingo and West End Trails.
These developments are all about creating spaces that invite and promote connection—whether that’s social interaction, physical activity, or simply enjoying the beauty of Candle Lake. Andrea would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making these projects come to fruition.
Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Community Involvement
As we look to the future, there are several exciting projects on the horizon. We’re planning to enhance the Holiday Acres Park, further expand our trail network, and install wayfinding signage throughout the village to help guide people to parks and trails. We’ll also be adding crusher dust to Simon Lehne Trail all the way to Nobles Point and plan to extend the trail along Simon Lehne Drive from Main Street to Ford Road to enhance safety.
Community Involvement: Funding Available
Municipal Reserve Land is located throughout the community. Improvements and development to these areas will occur only as time and resources are available. We recognize that dedicated community members help increase the usability of some of these spaces. While the RVCL appreciates these efforts, as the capacity of our staff increases we hope to enhance certain maintenance tasks on Municipal Reserve Lands.
The Community Development Policy #200-77 is designed to encourage local-led projects, and we’ve already seen success with initiatives like the Harbour Golf Estates shelter. If there is a project that your neighborhood neighbourhood would like to initiate on public lands, you can apply for funding from the Village. We believe that by working together, we can create even more meaningful spaces for our community to enjoy.
Our Commitment to Candle Lake
At Candle Lake, we’re committed to creating public spaces that enhance health, well-being, and connection. Working together ensures we have a strong foundation for these efforts, and our 20-Year Master Plan reflects our long-term vision for the future. We’re excited about the progress we’ve made, and we look forward to continuing this work with the support and involvement of our wonderful community. Together, we’re making Candle Lake a better place for everyone!