FireSmart - Elkwater Townsite Vegetation Management Work

Effective Date: October 15, 2025 - Until Further Notice

Where: Cypress Hills PP , Elkwater , Elkwater Townsite on park land, road right-of-ways, and non-leased lots

Details:

Please be advised that FireSmart vegetation management work is being completed in and around the Elkwater townsite as part of ongoing efforts to manage vegetation for public safety, wildfire mitigation, infrastructure maintenance, and ecological health. This is a continuation of work from earlier in 2025. No work or tree removal will be completed on leased lots. This work will only take place on park property, including: 

• Clearing of hazardous trees and overgrown brush with a focus on coniferous trees, trees with health concerns, ignition susceptible shrubs, and deadfall
• Removal of vegetation on public land where the vegetation is within FireSmart Home Ignition Zone boundaries in relation to buildings, including cottages
• Construction of landscape-level firebreaks
• Maintenance of firebreaks and buffers around critical infrastructure
• Trimming vegetation near power lines, roadways, and recreational trails

What to Expect: Residents and visitors may observe heavy equipment operating within the park. There will be increased noise levels during this work, and temporary closures of certain areas may be necessary for safety. We appreciate your patience and understanding as these essential projects are completed.

Open House: Open houses will be held on the below dates to provide more information

• October 25, 2025: 9:00AM - 1:00PM @ Cypress Hills Learning Centre
• November 1, 2025: 9:00AM - 1:00PM @ Cypress Hills Learning Centre

Operational Service Change - Seasonal Water Shut Off

  Updated:  September 25, 2025

Effective Date: September 5, 2025

Where: Cypress Hills PP , Information & Facilities

Details: Water services to campgrounds, standpipes, flush toilets, and showers have been turned off for the season. The Sani-dump station will be shut off October 10, 2025. Year-round water, flush toilets, and showers are available at the Lakeview Shower House, located at the entrance to Lakeview Campground. Water to campgrounds, standpipes, flush toilets, and showers is not guaranteed or charged between September 14, 2025, and June 1, 2026.

Blue-Green Algae - Reesor Lake

Effective Date: July 22, 2025 - Until Further Notice

Where: Cypress Hills PP , Reesor Lake Campground

Details:    

Please be advised that Cyanobacterial (Blue-Green Algae) has been identified in the water at this location. Additional information can be found online at AHS Health Advisories

Visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid all contact with cyanobacterial blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.
• Do not swim or wade or allow your pets to swim or wade in any areas where cyanobacteria is visible.
• Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.
• Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this lake, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver. People can safely consume fish fillets from this lake.

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water at any time. Boiling this water will not remove the toxins produced by cyanobacteria. An alternative source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock while this advisory is active.

Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another. As such, this advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Please note: Waters in which the cyanobacterial bloom is NOT visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this Health Advisory is in place.

Construction Closure - Elkwater Lake Marina Refurbishment

  Updated:  May 29, 2025

Effective Date: May 29, 2025 - Until Further Notice

Where: Cypress Hills PP , Marina in Cypress Hills Provincial Park and West side of Main Beach.

Details: Please be advised that Alberta Forestry and Parks is closing the area encompassing the Elkwater Lake Marina, to support marina refurbishment construction activities. Construction activities will include:
• Removal of wood boardwalk and finger docks, replaced with concrete boardwalk and floating finger docks.
• Replacement of floating breakwater with earth berm breakwater.
• Repair of boat launch ramp.
• Riprap installation to protect seawalls from erosion.
• Added and improved accessibility including a mobility lift.
• Increased fishing and personal watercraft opportunities.
Timeline: May to October 2025 The area is being closed:
• To reduce danger to the general public as contractors work in the area moving heavy equipment and materials on land and in water
• For construction efficiency
• It is more time and cost effective to complete this project during optimal warm weather conditions.
• The contractor needs to be able to work without public safety concerns.
Other facilities and services in Cypress Hills Provincial Park will not be impacted. Visitors looking for water recreation alternatives can call the Alberta Parks Information Line at 1-877-537-2757 or stop by the Cypress Hills Visitor Centre.

Follow the direction of all signage and personnel in the area and stay out of active construction zones.

Map of Affected Area
FAQs