May 8, 2008
MORE CABINS, CAMPSITES AND YURTS AMONG $2.5 MILLION IN PARKS UPGRADES AWAITING CAMPERS THIS SUMMER: STRUTHERS
– – –2008 Camping Season Begins May 9
More cabins, campsites and yurts are among the improvements awaiting campers as most provincial campgrounds open May 9, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced today.
“Manitoba is rich with natural beauty and this government is committed to better summer living for Manitobans by creating more opportunities for enjoyment of the province’s great outdoors,” said Struthers.
“By providing more opportunities to enjoy summer in our beautiful province, we are promoting healthy, active lifestyles and improving quality of life for Manitoba families,” said Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross.
Over the past year, the Manitoba government has invested $2.25 million to improve the province’s parks and campsites. Site improvements include:
· four new yurts will be available at Kiche Manitou campground,
· two new cabins plus several upgraded existing cabins will be available at Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park,
· 14 electrified sites are available at Betula Lake campground,
· 27 new sites have been introduced at Hnausa campground,
· 15 new sites will be available this summer at Whitefish Lake campground, and
· new green campground entrance buildings are being constructed at Birds Hill and Reed Lake campgrounds.
At West Hawk Lake campground, a newly constructed modern washroom/shower building has been specifically designed to be more energy and water efficient including new design features such as solar-heated showers, low-flow water fixtures and green building materials.
Campsite reservation demand through the Parks Reservation Service has been very strong this spring, said Struthers. As of April 23, more than 18,240 reservations had been made so far, an increase of 14 per cent over last year. Long weekends and the peak summer season in July are extremely popular, so reservations are recommended.
Again this year there will be no alcohol permitted in provincial parks during the May long weekend. Over the 2007 May long weekend, provincial officials evicted a total of 202 people from 25 sites and issued 52 charges.
“Manitoba families have welcomed the May long weekend liquor-free camping program and, as a result, the liquour ban will once again be in place this year,” said Struthers.
Manitobans and visitors are reminded to follow all rules around campfire safety and be very aware of youngsters and non-swimmers at all times when enjoying provincial beach areas.
Most campgrounds open May 9, but due to colder spring temperatures, water services may not be fully available in a number of locations. Campers are asked to check with Manitoba Conservation at 945-6784, 1-800-214-6497 (toll-free) or the local district office for current service conditions. Campgrounds in the north as well as Grand Beach, Lundar and St. Ambroise will open May 16. Gull Harbour is scheduled to open May 12. Detailed information on campground opening dates and campground rules is also available at www.manitobaparks.com, 1-800-214-6497 (toll-free) or 945-6784 in Winnipeg.
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