At the advice of Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, provincial parks will remain open at this time; however, public facilities located within the parks will be closed to ensure social distancing practices are enforced.

“This pandemic has undoubtedly put significant strain and stress on the lives of many Manitobans,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “There is a great mental health benefit in being able to escape and connect with nature, and we want to do everything we can to help Manitobans navigate this difficult and unprecedented time.”

In an effort to maintain as much public access as safely possible, provincial parks will remain open. However, public facilities including washrooms, playgrounds, picnic and group-shelter use will be closed for the foreseeable future, the premier noted.

Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer continues to stress that Manitobans need to adhere to social distancing practices and should stay home as much as possible to help flatten the COVID curve.

“At this time, we believe the general use of parks and trails is a low risk activity for Manitobans,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “With the closure of washrooms and other dedicated gathering space within our provincial parks, the opportunity to congregate in groups of more than 10 people is significantly minimized.”

The province is not ruling out additional measures or further broader park area closures if social distancing becomes problematic, especially in parks close to urban centres, the premier noted.

Meantime, the Manitoba government has launched its new, online service for the sale of outdoor licences and permits, the premier announced. The province recognizes this is a significant change in the way Manitobans will access licences and park permits so it will be phased in, starting with hunting and angling licenses as well as provincial park vehicle permits, which are now available online.

“While we are in an unprecedented time of social distancing and isolation, we recognize that hunting and fishing are important aspects of daily life for many Manitobans across our beautiful province,” said Pallister. “This enhanced service with the option to purchase these products online supports our continued effort to ensure the health and well-being of all Manitobans during this global health pandemic.”

Benefits of using an e-licensing approach include:

  • access 24 hours a day, seven days a week online or by telephone;
  • access through participating retailers (list available online);
  • the ability to immediately purchase and print licenses and permits at home;
  • the ability to reprint lost or damaged licenses;
  • receiving email confirmation of licences/permits purchased; and
  • improved data collection that will support program management.

In addition to current base licence fees, an administration fee of $4.50 will be included in all licences and permit purchases to support enhanced service delivery, with the exception of the Manitoba Resident Seniors Conservation Angling Licences that will remain free of charge.

As the weather warms up, Manitobans are encouraged to embrace the outdoors while practising good social distancing when using parks, trails and other public greenspaces, the premier added.

For more information on the program, visit manitobaelicensing.ca.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at manitoba.ca.