The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
As Manitobans and visitors prepare for another season of outdoor experiences, the first phase of improvements and expansions at provincial park campgrounds was announced yesterday by Conservation Minister Stan Struthers. "We are starting work on the first phase of campsite upgrades and planning for new campground development. We're also planning to introduce a new camping experience for future camping seasons," said Struthers. "The new type of service will appeal to people who like their outdoor experiences without the need to set up camp." Improvements will be underway this spring in provincial park campsites at Stephenfield and Watchorn. As a result of upcoming construction at these locations, some campsites will be unavailable for reservation for the first part of the season. Work is expected to be completed by July 1. In the fall of 2004, campsite upgrades are planned at Nutimik Lake in the Whiteshell, West Blue Lake in Duck Mountain, Paint Lake, and Gull Harbour in Hecla. This fall, work will also commence on 100 new campsites at Gull Harbour. In addition, design work for a major campground expansion at Tulabi Falls in Nopiming Provincial Park will be initiated this season with construction expected in 2006. Campground improvements will include electrical services to campsites and washrooms, and shower construction in some locations. "We are responding to the recreational demands of provincial park users and are very excited about these new campground enhancement programs," said Struthers. The province is also planning to introduce a new type of camping opportunity. Called Camping Lite, it provides a campsite complete with an on-site shelter equipped with a range of services. Shelter types will include yurts (a hut shaped structure) and possibly tipis, which will give campers a memorable outdoor recreation experience. "This new program will allow visitors to travel lightly, yet camp in comfort in one of our provincial campgrounds," said the minister. The program is being considered for Nutimik Lake, Asessippi, Spruce Woods, Stephenfield, Paint Lake and Clearwater Lake. It is expected that the Camping Lite program will be available to Manitobans and visitors in 2005. Northern campgrounds are scheduled for a May long weekend opening. The parks reservation service opened April 5 with first day reservations of 4,973, a 60 per cent increase over last year. Web-based reservations accounted for 74 per cent of the first day total. To date, overall campsite reservations are up 10.1 per cent over last year while web-based reservations are up at 74.5. Overall reservations to date total 12,761. All provincial campgrounds will again be alcohol-free for the May long weekend. "People will be able to enjoy campgrounds, group use areas and family vacation cabin locations free of alcohol," said Struthers. Park vehicle permits are required and must be displayed at all times in provincial parks. Annual permits are $20 and, for shorter visits of up to three days, a $5 casual permit is available. During the 2003 summer season, approximately 5.4 million people visited Manitoba's parks, a 7.5 per cent increase over the previous year. Grand Beach and Birds Hill provincial parks experienced significant increases in attendance of approximately 32 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. "Manitoba's provincial parks are enjoyed by Manitobans and visitors to our province," said Struthers. "Maintaining park facilities and services while increasing the number of campsites and cottage lots will add to the attractions of our parks. We are extremely pleased to be able to improve our provincial parks for the enjoyment of all of our visitors."
