She likely could not have foreseen that many years later, she would be developing a resort on its north shore.

Kinnaird and her husband Rob were no strangers to business when she took on the massive project. She had owned the Broadway store Celts and Clover from 2005 to 2010; together, they also own and operate Kinnaird Bagpipes.

But Sandy Shores Resort is a venture of completely different proportions.

In 2015, Kinnaird responded to a government tender to build a cabin subdivision on the lake. The decision came in November 2015; she had won. Community planning approval followed in the fall of 2016.

A north shore project was definitely a long time in coming.

“The trees were planted at the time of the dam construction and the dam recently celebrated its 50th anniversary,” Kinnaird said in an interview.

“At that time, the Gardiner Dam planning was targeted for cottage subdivisions. I think they were just waiting for me.”

Lake Diefenbaker, she noted, has 800 kilometres of shoreline “and there’s a tremendous amount of opportunity that we’ve been talking about for years but hasn’t yet been realized. There were studies and a lot of planning put into place over 50 years ago. Finally, we’re starting to realize some of those opportunities.”

Today, Sandy Shores is comprised of 200 titled lots. Kinnaird made 120 lots available in the first four years, and they are 75 per cent sold.

“The proposal to the government during the tender process was a cottage subdivision with a high level of service,” she said. “The cornerstone of that high level of service is the potable water and the water treatment plant. That was an early investment and kind of a field of dreams moment: if you build it, will they come, or are you just crazy? It could go either way.

“Property developments are risky. I felt really committed to the community and to the vision of that high level of service, so I proceeded with the water treatment plant very early in the planning.

“You don’t know people are going to buy into that vision that you have. There’s certainly no guarantee in business and certainly not in property development.”

And people have bought into it. That being said, there was a gut-testing time in the early part of the pandemic lockdown.

“It wasn’t just slow,” Kinnaird said. “It was terrifying. It came to a stop. March, April and May (2020) had everyone very much locked in their homes and following public health orders. There was no activity. And spring is a very busy time, typically, when people are planning their summer. It was very scary.

“Then the summer came, and people started looking at recreating at home. People were absolutely drawn to the lakes and resort properties. It turned out to be a very busy summer and fall.

“We’re not travelling, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want an adventure. They’re looking closer to home and the interest rates remain low. People are looking for fun things to do in their own backyard.

“We’ve definitely seen and welcomed many new families to the development during in this pandemic time.”

The proximity to Saskatoon is a big drawing card, but people from much further away have also chosen to buy lots. Connectivity was also improved last year when a new cell tower was installed, and people can rely on strong Internet coverage. Some people live there permanently.

“We are definitely a year-round resort. There are a number of people enjoying their properties; even if it’s a second property for a lot of owners, they’re enjoying those more often because we’re a short one-hour drive (from the city).”

In addition, highways 219, 44 and 45 are being upgraded and “the big piece that will shine a big spotlight on the whole area is the $4 billion canal project planned by the province, and it will be immediately adjacent to Sandy Shores Resort.”

People are often surprised by the mature trees, she said, including spruce, lilac, poplar, ash and elm which “really add a beauty to the area. The trees are lovely and mature. Lake Diefenbaker is still a hidden gem.”

In addition to the water treatment plant, Kinnaird notes that the area boasts shoreline trails, two beaches, a gorgeous playground, beautiful parks and more amenities to come.

“This year we have the sport court opening . . . (and) the marina is planned for May 2022.”

And, she says, there is also world-class fishing. To facilitate that, a company called Fishinggeeks is “a fun neighbour” offering guided fishing; it currently holds two world records. The lake is also a top 10 North American sailing destination.

Thirty properties are currently available, a mixture of lake side, park side, and lake front lots, and she anticipates opening more after the marina is built.

It has been a massive amount of work and not without its struggles, but Kinnaird’s passion has seen her through to success.

“I love what I do. I love Lake Diefenbaker; I grew up the area. I’m incredibly excited to share that with other families. It’s brought real joy to my family. I have three children and it’s pretty hard for us to pick a movie and have shared experiences; but we all love the lake.”

-Joanne Paulson