An already-popular Pigeon Lake development is getting even bigger and better this year: Covenant Bay Bible Camp.
The camp, located on the west shores of Pigeon Lake near the similarly-named provincial park, has been awaiting the completion of its new, roughly $1.5 million lodge accommodations, noted hospitality coordinator Jason Gordanier June 28.
Begun in summer, 2017 the new lodge building, owned by the Evangelical Covenant Church of Canada, will stretch across 3,200 square feet and a plethora of new rooms. The rooms will include six dorm-style and eight private, accommodating about 65 people.
The older cabins set to be replaced by the new accommodations could hold only about 42 guests. The old cabins will be shuttered and moved once the new building is open.
Gordanier said removing the old cabins, with a prime view of the lake, will allow an even larger courtyard area for activities such as volleyball.
Gordanier said the lodge was built with the strong support of donors, including those from the Wetaskiwin area. The bible camp is popular both with local guests, and also from across the province.
The new building will be able to accommodate guest year-round, meaning summer activities like climbing, obstacle courses and canoeing will be joined by winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating.
Gordanier noted the local chamber of commerce has recently been out to the camp for a meeting, and plans to book again. He said with the expansion to year-round, Christmas time will be very exciting around the bible camp.
The building is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2018.