‘It’s beautiful’: Moose Jaw’s Temple Gardens prepares for grand reopening

Moose Jaw’s Temple Gardens Mineral Pool has reopened after upgrades as part of a multi-million-dollar resort investment plan. Wayne Mantyka has more.

Renovations are almost done at the Moose Jaw’s Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa.

The $2.1 million upgrade to the mineral pool was complete in just 17 days.

It’s part of a broader renovation happening alongside $16 million upgrades to the hotel’s 181 rooms.

“We want this place to be running smoothly and perfectly for all our customers that come in and share and enjoy the spa and enjoy the rooms,” said Allan Bird with Peepeekisis Developments.

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Peepeekisis Cree Nation purchased the resort in 2022 and is heavily investing in the upgrades.

“Eventually we’ll be working on building exterior, the convention spaces in the hotel, public areas. I think to stay at the top of the industry, it almost becomes cyclical. There’s never really a year when you do nothing,” said Temple Gardens general manager David Wood.

The rapid construction was designed to minimize disruptions at the resort.

Speaking with CTV News, some spa patrons expressed appreciation for the upgrades.

Bob Trust and Sandra Robinson said they try to visit Temple Gardens two to three times a year.

“We come if we can, and we love it. It’s beautiful, they’ve done a great job on it,” Trust said.

Robinson shared the same enthusiasm.

“And the lining is really nice in the pool, and the steam rooms are nice. There’s a steam room that’s cooler that I can actually tolerate,” she added.

Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Megan Patterson touted Temple Gardens’ importance to the city’s economy.

“It brings people to the city, and even local residents use this spa for some relaxation, just to connect with others, so overall it’s wonderful for everyone,” she said.

Peepeekisis recently purchased the land on which Casino Moose Jaw is situated – right across the street from Temple Gardens.

The First Nation is considering an urban reserve application for that land along with Temple Gardens.

The spa is set to reopen to the public on July 3.