Manitoba provincial campgrounds are once again ready for visitors and many have significant improvements and upgrades, Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox announced.
“Manitobans love the great outdoors, and the May long weekend is an important signal that summer is just around the corner,” Cox said. “Our parks and campgrounds have many improvements waiting for visitors and we hope everyone is looking forward to another season of outdoor activities and relaxation. We also remind Manitobans that our forests and wildlife are precious and wish that everyone demonstrates caution while enjoying the natural beauty of our province.”
While some parks and campgrounds opened May 13, all provincial campgrounds will be open today, in time for the May long weekend. The minister noted significant improvements can be found around the province such as:
- new washroom and shower buildings at Betula, Moose Lake and St. Malo (Sunset Shores) campgrounds;
- new electrical sites at Blue Lakes and Manipogo and electrical upgrades to sites at St. Malo;
- additional yurts at Spruce Woods and Camper’s Cove;
- new water treatment facilities at Moose Lake and Opapiskaw; and
- seawall reconstruction and beach expansion underway at Winnipeg Beach with work on the main beach area expected to be completed next month.
Campers are reminded that the May long weekend is liquor free in all campgrounds, group-use areas and yurts, as well as cabins at Camp Morton and Hecla/Grindstone provincial parks.
Fires should only be made in approved fire pits. The minister encouraged park users to keep an eye on conditions and watch for updates to fire restrictions in each local area.
Minister Cox also noted the Mantario Hiking Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park is temporarily closed and the province will provide an update as soon as the status of the trail can be determined.
The minister reminded boaters and all watercraft users that everyone has a role to play in the protection of lakes, rivers and wetlands from the transfer of aquatic invasive species (AIS). When leaving a waterbody it is important to clean, drain and dry watercrafts, trailers and all water-related equipment and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
Beach users may notice zebra mussel shells washing up on the shoreline of affected waterbodies. Shells can be sharp so precautions, including appropriate footwear protection, may be needed.
To report a zebra mussel or any other AIS from a location, take pictures and visit the website at www.manitoba.ca/stopais or call 1-87-STOP AIS-0 (1-877-867-2470).
The minister encouraged Manitobans to consider buying 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. Annual passes are also available at Manitoba Liquor Mart locations and Manitoba Public Insurance service centres.
Approximately 26,000 campsite bookings and nearly 4,600 cabin, yurt and group-use area reservations have been made through the Manitoba Parks Reservation Service so far this year, but many sites are still available at campgrounds across the province. To make a reservation, visit www.manitobaparks.com.
