Manitoba families will have access to more Wi-Fi hotspots, more modernized washrooms and showers, new yurts and a variety of other campground upgrades when they visit provincial parks this year. This announcement was made by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh.
“We know an increasing number of Manitobans use mobile devices to get online, especially young people, and we are responding,” said Mackintosh. “I want to enhance their camping experience whether they are using social networks to check in and post pictures of themselves in our beautifully diverse provincial parks, check weather forecasts or do other online errands while enjoying time away.”
Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park has three Wi-Fi hotspots operating now and nine new WiFi hotspots in Birds Hill and Falcon Beach provincial parks will come online over the next two weeks, the minister said. Campers will receive passwords and coverage maps when they check in at campground offices.
Other new investments this year include upgrades to washrooms and showers in Birds Hill, Hnausa, Rainbow Beach and Manipogo provincial parks, and six new yurts at Childs Lake Provincial Park.
The minister noted repairs at campgrounds affected by the 2011 flood continue including work at St. Ambroise and Watchorn provincial parks, and the lower Kiche Manitou campground at Spruce Woods Provincial Park. The Kiche Manitou lower campground will open June 28 and every effort is being made to offer day-use recreation at St. Ambroise Provincial Park later this summer, Mackintosh said. Black Lake campground in Nopiming Provincial Park also experienced wind damage last fall, delaying the opening of the campground until June 22.
Manitobans are also reminded 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.
Approximately 30,000 campsites have been booked through the made-in-Manitoba Parks Reservation Service so far this year, but many camping opportunities remain available at campgrounds across the province throughout the season. 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.
“Parks provide opportunities for a broad range of activities in the great outdoors that can create wonderful memories of good times with family and friends,” said Mackintosh. “We want Manitobans to tell us about their thoughts on the future of parks and what more can be done to protect and enhance parks for the future.”
Information on how to send your advice and comments about the strategy before June 1 is available online.
