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.
Campers booked a record number of campsites before noon on the opening day for ManitobaÕs parks reservations, surpassing the number made by the end of the day last year, Conservation Minister Stan Struthers said last Monday. A total of 8,016 reservations were made in record time on the first day due in part to improvements made to the service this winter including a new electronic queuing service developed by a Manitoba company. According to Tracy Elbourne, the head f outdoor recreation programs, more than 10,000 reservations were made in the first day. Of those reservations only about 75 were made in the Northern part of the province. ÒBakers Narrows has 146 reservations made with 80 yurt reservations,Ó she says. And although some campsites donÕt take reservations, such as Giles Campground, because they have no power for the system, Elbourne says people can reserve at Campers Cove and Paint Lake, along with other sites. The new system eased pressure on the system and showed service users where they are in line.ÊLast year, 7,906 reservations were made by midnight on the first day the reservations service was open. ÒManitobans love the outdoors and we are providing them with more opportunities to enjoy better summer living,Ó Struthers said. ÒThe online reservation service continues to be the most popular method of obtaining a reservation and is supported by the call centre for the customers who prefer to talk with an agent.ÓÊ The first day of campsite reservations creates an intense demand for service in a short period of time.Ê Staff from the departments of Conservation and Science, Technology, Energy and Mines have worked to improve opening day performance and the overall reservation experience for the customer.Ê ÒThis made-in-Manitoba Parks Reservation Service has proven itself a great success,Ó Struthers said.Ê ÒThe refinements made to the system over the years continue to improve the technical performance of the service and reflect the comments made by users.ÓÊ In 2007, more than 50,000 reservations were made for provincial campsite, cabin, yurt and group-use facilities. ÊApproximately five million people visit ManitobaÕs parks each summer. ÒI think itÕs pretty typical,Ó says Elbourne about the reservation numbers. ÒIt was a very successful opening day. ÒThe yurt reservations are taking off really strongly,Ó adding that Bakers Narrows is Òsuch a prime location.Ó
