Manitoba campgrounds are ready to host campers with many new and upgraded amenities like modern washrooms and additional electrically serviced campsites. This announcement was made by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh.
“We continue to make improvements to our already popular campgrounds and we know park visitors will really enjoy the many changes and upgrades,” Minister Mackintosh said. “It’s been a long wait to get out and enjoy the amazing outdoor opportunities in Manitoba parks, and we look forward to a safe and fun-filled summer.”
In addition to improvements around the province like the addition of electrical sites at Tulabi Falls and new washrooms and showers at other parks, campers will be glad to see the re-opening of the campground at Watchorn and the full re-opening of Spruce Woods campground following flood damage, the minister said.
Most campgrounds will open as scheduled today. Wet conditions at Rainbow Beach on Dauphin Lake and North Steeprock campground in the Porcupine Forest will delay their opening until further notice, Minister Mackintosh added.
Manitobans are reminded to buy an annual provincial park entry pass, especially if they are frequent provincial park visitors. Passes are available at park offices, online through Canada Map Sales at www.canadamapsales.com, and anywhere hunting and fishing licences are sold. They will also be available at Manitoba Public Insurance service centres on Bison Drive, Main Street and Gateway Road tomorrow, and at the remaining service centres by Tuesday, May 20.
Minister Mackintosh said once again, the May long weekend will be liquor free in all campgrounds, group-use areas and yurts, as well as cabins at Camp Morton and Hecla/Grindstone provincial parks. Some liquor-free campsites will be available all season in designated spots at Grand Beach and Birds Hill provincial parks. The sites are bays six, nine and 10 at Grand Beach, and Oriole and Grackle bays at Birds Hill.
He added Manitoba is also pleased to be a partner in the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Cultural Access Pass program which offers new citizens free access to Manitoba provincial parks. The Cultural Access Pass allows new citizens and their children free access to parks, as well as many cultural sites and attractions across Canada.
Approximately 29,000 campsites have been booked through the Manitoba Parks Reservation Service so far this year but many camping opportunities remain available at campgrounds across the province. To make a reservation, visit www.manitobaparks.com.
The minister noted parks investments and expansions support priorities outlined in Building the Parks Province: Manitoba’s Parks Strategy, a review and public consultation document that outlines changes designed to strengthen the province’s parks system.
