Sikome Lake will have gate fees this summer

Sikome Lake in south Calgary opens for the season on June 25butfor the first timeswimmers will have to pay a fee to use the man-made lake.

The province says the new gate fees at the popular lake in Fish Creek Provincial Park will help pay for long-overdue facility upgrades, and allow for the swimming season to last until Labour Day.

• Facility fees will range from $2 to $10 for a day pass.
• Family passes will cost $10 for one or two adults with children living in the same household.
• Season passes will cost from $25 to $100 for a family pass.
• Group rates for day cares, day homes and day camps will also be available.

There will be reduced rates for persons with disabilities, and both the Cultural Access Pass for new Canadian citizensand the Calgary Fee Assistance Card will be accepted at the gates, the province says.

"Since opening in 1978, Sikome Aquatic Facility has had only minor upgrades with many capital upgrades deferred," the province said in a release.

Several buildings at the lake will be renovated inside and out, including the washroom and shower facilities.

The south side of the lake, which has at times been closed to the public because of escalating operating costs, will now be accessible for the full season.

Sikome Lake attracts roughly 200,000 visitors annually over the summer season.

The lake is fed with filtered well water, and staffed bylifeguards.

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