September 26, 2002
Manitobans will have the opportunity to enjoy two new provincial parks, Premier Gary Doer announced today as part of an initiative that also includes launching a "Watchable Wildlife" program and extending park reserve status for Manigotagan River and East Paint Lake, areas that are vital to Manitoba’s park system.
"The Manitoba government is committed to protecting parkland and wildlife for the future," Doer said. "We recognize there is still more work to be done, but these initiatives are part of a long-term plan to protect our precious land, water and wildlife resources."
Highlights of the parks initiative:
The premier made the announcement at the new Trappist Monastery Provincial Park in St. Norbert. Set adjacent to the wooded banks of the LaSalle River, the park offers canoeing, walking and skiing, and the opportunity to experience an important element of Manitoba’s history exemplified by the restored ruins of the former Trappist Monastery of Notre Dame des Prairies.
"The historical significance of this beautiful monastery is owed to its founders who lived modest lives centred on prayer, study and manual labour," said Doer. "I hope that this will be a place where many will come to enjoy solitude in the midst of our busy lives today."
Caribou River Wilderness Provincial Park, created about four months ago, is a 764,000-ha area located 130 km northwest of Churchill.
"I want to acknowledge and thank the Sayisi Dene First Nation of Tadoule Lake and the community of Churchill for their interest and support for Caribou River Provincial Park, and express my appreciation to everyone who participated in consultations relating to these new parks," said Doer.
"This is a fine example of the landscape and wildlife of Manitoba’s Northern Transition Forest Natural Region. Park management will respect the importance of Caribou River to the Sayisi Dene First Nation. At the same time, wilderness enthusiasts will be able to enjoy canoeing, angling and wildlife viewing."
The premier also announced a "Watchable Wildlife" program, which in other jurisdictions has resulted in greater awareness of wildlife protection and increased wildlife viewing opportunities for the public. In Manitoba, the initiative will focus on greater protection for unique or threatened wildlife species as well as expanding on the range of wildlife viewing opportunities. The program will also work co-operatively with communities and local organizations to provide protection to these specific sites.
Several provincial park reserves are also being extended as a result of recent public feedback. A further five years of park reserve status for the East Paint Lake and Manigotagan River park reserves provides more time for consideration of the future of these sites. The province is also concluding consultations on the Amisk and Atikaki park reserves.
Park reserves are an interim designation under the Provincial Parks Act, placed on lands that can contribute to the protection of natural areas or areas that have significant cultural, historical or outdoor recreational value.
Doer noted strong public support to review the boundaries of the Manigotagan River Park Reserve. "We will consult with local First Nations, and communities and stakeholders as we work towards tripling the current 250-metre boundary on each side of this popular canoe route. We are committed to protecting this spectacular river."
Doer also reiterated his government’s commitment to co-operating with local communities and the federal government towards the establishment of a new national park in the Manitoba Lowlands region near Grand Rapids.
"We have written to the prime minister to express our support for the federal government’s goal of creating parks to represent each of the 39 natural regions of Canada. Turning Manitoba Lowlands into a national park is a priority and we will continue to work with Ottawa to complete this process."
Since the fall of 1999, the province, in partnership with Manitobans, has created three new provincial parks, Pembina Valley, Trappist Monastery and Caribou River, and 10 park preserves, and fully protected all or part of 21 Wildlife Management areas.
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