The Manitoba government has issued permits authorizing three resource tourism operators to offer commercial overnight accommodations on ice on Lake Winnipeg for the 2022-23 winter season.
“Our government is committed to supporting environmentally sustainable tourism opportunities that provide economic and recreational benefits for Manitobans,” said Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt. “Authorizing tourism operators to market this unique service will expand access to world-class winter experiences, which is a priority identified in the Manitoba Tourism Strategy.”
The minister noted the opportunity was open to eligible licensed resource tourism operators in good standing with authorization to offer angling services and operate a related facility shelter on Lake Winnipeg.
The operators that received permits through the opportunity are required to meet specified environmental, safety, and recreational vehicle construction standards, added Nesbitt.
“This is a great opportunity to diversify our fishing experiences and offer anglers an unbelievable winter experience,” said Colin Ferguson, president and CEO, Travel Manitoba. “Other jurisdictions are meeting the demand and now Manitoba operators will be able to compete.”
Resource tourism operators that received permits will be required to submit location, catch and harvest data for the ice fishing season, noted the minister. The Manitoba government will use this data, along with stakeholder feedback, to consider additional opportunities for the initiative in future winter seasons.
