If you’ve been basically trapped in your home for the last three months you are undoubtedly looking for a sun and sand break..But it won’t be happening at Calgary’s Sikome Lake this summer, the Western Standard has learned..Normally open on the May Victoria Day long weekend, the popular site – which often attracts so many people police are forced to close the road into Fish Creek Park – is remaining shut for the foreseeable future because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions..“Given the volume of people who tend to converge on Sikome Lake in the summer and the difficulties with enforcing any type of physical distancing and cleaning facilities (showers, washrooms, etc.) Environment and Parks has collaborated with GoA Health officials in making the decision that the facilities there will, regrettably, remain closed,” Jess Sinclair, press secretary to Parks Minister Jason Nixon..“Lake Sikome will be closed for the foreseeable future but we’re always reevaluating,” Sinclair said.. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .First opened in late summer 1978, up to 20,000 swimmers a day visit the 99-acre lake during summer week-ends..A chlorine filtration system that he water supply was implemented in 1991 at a cost of $1.8 million..The last time the lake was closed was 2004, due to flooding..In the 2018 season, Sikome Lake generated $227,334. This revenue comes from passes as well as swimming lessons and concession sales..In 2019, the NDP government started charging enterance fees to get in..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
