Yorkton city council has approved to move ahead with the first step in revitalizing Hopkins Lake, awarding an engineering design services contract to Clifton Engineering Group Inc.
The project will focus on restoring Hopkins Lake as a vibrant recreational destination for residents. The area was transformed initially in the 1960s when the Jaycee Club, with city support, dredged and sanded the lake to create a swimming spot.
It remained popular through the 1970s and early 1980s, but declining water quality shifted the site into its current use as a park, featuring trails, ball diamonds, a dog park, and a campground.
Council voted to award the $41,222 contract, which includes an optional Heritage Resources Impact Assessment, to be funded through the city’s Rainy Day Fund. With taxes included, the total contract value is $45,756, though the city will recover the GST portion.
The feasibility-level study will examine historical records, ecological conditions, bathymetry, terrain and hydrology to determine potential next steps. Officials say this stage will not include detailed design or construction planning.
City administration structured the tender to limit risk and control costs, setting a cap on expenses to prevent cost overruns. Any additional work outside the approved scope will require written authorization.
Three bids were submitted through the city’s procurement portal. Clifton Engineering Group’s proposal was the lowest bid and was selected based on experience and capacity.
The study is expected to take about 10 weeks to complete, with results and high-level options for council to consider by the end of 2025.
While routine public updates are not planned during the feasibility phase, a “Shape Your City” project page will be established to provide information. If the project moves into detailed design and construction, city officials say there will be more extensive community engagement.
If feasibility is confirmed, future phases would involve more detailed planning, public consultation and potentially construction, bringing back the recreational use that once made Hopkins Lake a popular gathering place.
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