Manitobans will have free access to improved and expanded campsites for better summer living in the province this year, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced at Birds Hill Park as most Manitoba campgrounds opened today.
“We continue to make improvements every year to enhance the enjoyment of Manitoba’s provincial parks and campgrounds for millions of visitors,” Struthers said today at the east entrance of Birds Hill Park, which has seen facility and road-paving improvements. “We will continue to improve provincial park campgrounds and related services for the enjoyment of Manitobans and visitors.”
Most campgrounds opened today, except those in the north, Grand Beach and Lundar, which are scheduled to open on May 15, and St. Ambroise, which is scheduled to open May 29. As well, the liquor-free camping experience also returns again this May long weekend.
Major improvements to park infrastructure and facilities are ongoing including more campsites, more yurts and better showers and washrooms, the minister said. Yurt and family vacation cabin programs are being expanded at Camp Morton, Stephenfield and Hecla.
Improvements to various campgrounds include:
• new yurt development at Camp Morton and Stephenfield;
• new shower buildings being built at Birds Hill campground, Grand Beach, Childs Lake and Wellman Lake and planned at Nutimik Lake;
• a 65-campsite expansion being built at Wellman Lake;
• a 35-campsite expansion and new office at Hnausa Park; and
• two new accessible, lakefront rental cabins at Gull Harbour campground.
The minister also noted that it was another record year for the parks reservation system. Within the first day, 11,461 reservations were completed, surpassing last year’s number of 10,365. A total of 55,298 campsites were booked through the made-in-Manitoba system last camping season. This marks a 50 per cent increase over 2005 figures before the new system was implemented.
The minister said 9-1-1 emergency telephone service is now available at 47 provincial parks including Birds Hill, Clearwater, Grand Beach, Hecla/Grindstone and South Whiteshell. The service continues to be expanded on a priority basis.
For detailed information on campground opening dates and campground rules, go to www.manitobaparks.com or call toll-free 1-800-214-6497 or 945-6784 in Winnipeg.
