Public response to a new recreation area: the example of Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan

In 1967, the South Saskatchewan River Project was completed and the Lake Diefenbaker reservoir was created. This large reservoir, situated in the semi-arid region of southern Saskatchewan, was expected to provide a source of recreational water to a large percentage of Saskatchewan's population. Based upon early forecasts of use, the reservoir has not met the recreational expectations. This thesis discusses several reasons why use has ?een minimal including competitive factors, minimal development, and lack of landscape diversity. With results obtained from a questionnaire distributed to the cities of Regina, Saskatoon~ Swift Current and Moose Jaw, it is illustrated that a particularly important reason for low use is the inadequate level of public awareness with respect to the reservoir's recreational attributes. The study concludes that present use is ten years behind early forecasts but with promotional campaigns and facility development, the Lake Diefenbaker recreation area will develop as an important focus of recreational activity in southern Saskatchewan