Entry to Manitoba’s provincial parks is free this weekend in celebration of Canada’s Parks Day on July 21, Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh announced.
“Thousands of people mark Canada’s Parks Day every year by taking part in fun, educational, family-orientated events in parks and historic sites across the country,” said Mackintosh. “To help families celebrate, entry to all provincial parks will be free this weekend and a number of interesting events will be held in parks around the province.”
The minister noted many of the planned activities will highlight the important role parks play in protecting critical habitat for species at risk, maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems, and supporting human health and well-being.
Manitobans are encouraged to visit their favourite park or try someplace new. Some events happening at Manitoba provincial parks on July 21 are:
• Hecla Grindstone Provincial Park, 8 p.m. – learn about how parks play an important role in preserving Manitoba’s special creatures and places at the firepit near the marina;
• Bakers Narrows Provincial Park near Flin Flon, 1 to 2 p.m. – celebrate with cake and refreshments at the new picnic shelter in the campground area;
• Clearwater Lake Provincial Park, 12:30 p.m. – show off your creativity by decorating your bike or wagon and joining the parade at the Camper’s Cove campground office;
• Grand Beach Provincial Park, 8 to 9 p.m. – try some bannock and join in the campfire stories at the firepit near the amphitheatre; and
• Pinawa Dam Heritage Park, 10 a.m. – take a guided tour of the historic Pinawa Dam or participate in the in motion treasure hunt and explore on your own.
More information about Canada’s Parks Day celebrations is available at park offices or online at www.parksday.ca.
“Canada’s Parks Day reminds us to celebrate the foresight and commitment of generations of Manitobans who have worked to support the creation and development of parks across our province,” said Mackintosh. “We continue to make parks a priority and will continue to invest in initiatives that will further protect wilderness areas.”
The minister noted TomorrowNow: Manitoba’s Green Plan commits to adding up to 15 more parks, ecological reserves, wildlife management areas or other protected areas over the next eight years as well as expanding some current park boundaries.
In addition, capital investments in parks will result in new and improved campsites and modernized amenities, he said. For more information on TomorrowNow, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/tomorrownowgreenplan.
To book a campsite or get more information on Manitoba provincial parks, visit: www.manitobaparks.com.
