Manitoba invests in 64 provincial park projects
Posted August 26, 2022 3:14 pm.
The Manitoba government announced that they are investing $1.1 million into 64 projects that will enhance provincial parks Friday.
Manitoba’s environment minister, Jeff Wharton, spoke at a conference on Aug. 26, announcing an addition to the Provincial Parks Endowment Fund that will see large improvements to numerous parks in the province.
“Manitobans love their provincial parks and our government is excited to announce the latest round of park improvement projects,” said Wharton. “Through the Provincial Parks Endowment Fund, our government is ensuring that funds are available in perpetuity for important projects to help preserve public parks for future generations.
The funding will is to help with accessibility improvements at Birds Hill Provincial Park, such as an accessible path to washrooms at West Beach, and paving the Bur Oak parking lot.
Lesley Anne Fuga, a board member with Friends of Birds Hills Parks Inc., also spoke to the affect this will have on parks in the province.
“Manitoba’s strengths are its people and its natural wonders, and nowhere is this more evident than in our stunning provincial parks,” Fuga said. “We applaud investments that improve accessibility and visitor experiences while also helping ensure the long-term ecological integrity of the parks we love.”
Some parks will be receiving accessible path upgrades, new campsites, new picnic tables, boat launch improvements and other biodiversity enhancement projects.
READ MORE: Manitoba to receive federal funding for long-term care support
Whiteshell Provincial Park projects will include eight accessible campsites, along with upgrades to 17 existing accessible campsites.
There will also be an installation of 10 accessible button door openers on public buildings, like with camp offices, washrooms and shower facilities. Three accessible campsites will also be added at Grand Beach Provincial Park.
Projects for Nopiming Provincial Park will include improvements to picnic tables, and will see some fire pits at canoe route sites along the Bird River, Seagrim’s Chain, and the Rabbit River.
Additional provincial parks that will see improvements are, Asessippi, Camp Morton, Stephenfield, Spruce Woods, Hecla/Grindstone, Beaudry, Bakers Narrows, Clearwater Lake, and Grass River park.
The Provincial Parks Endowment Fund was launched in 2021 with a starting investment of $20 million. The government says that the fund is expected to generate around $1 million per year to help improve visitor experiences at Manitoba’s provincial parks. Priorities for the fund are determined through a process involving engagement of citizens and stakeholders, Wharton noted.
A complete list of all the provincially funded projects is available on the government of Manitoba website.
