A $224-million, 10-year plan to renew Manitoba’s provincial parks is the latest in a flood of election-year spending announcements.
The plan “prioritizes projects that enhance recreational opportunities and protect our precious ecosystem,” Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt stated in a May 18 press release.
The Manitoba Provincial Parks Infrastructure Renewal Strategy includes plans for a 50 per cent increase in yurts, more campsites with electrical service, enhanced “interactive experiences,” and improved services, the province has said.
The strategy divides funds into two streams: $121 million for parks infrastructure and $103 million for roadway renewal within and around provincial parks over the next 10 years.
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The plan includes surface upgrades to the Trans-Canada Highway at the Manitoba-Ontario border and rehabilitation to accesses at Falcon Lake and West Hawk Lake. Other planned projects include an expansion of electrical campsites at Spruce Woods Provincial Park and Gull Harbour; washroom replacements at Paint Lake and Bakers Narrows; a yurt village at Asessippi Provincial Park and other campground upgrades.
The province also pledged nearly $200 million to restore and rehabilitate provincial infrastructure damaged throughout Manitoba from the spring 2022 flood.
Projects in and surrounding provincial parks include bridges, such as the Whitemouth River Bridge on provincial road 307, the Manigotagan River bridge in Nopiming Provincial Park and a bridge at Drunken River north of Gimli.
“We are encouraged by today’s announcement that the Manitoba government will be investing $220 million for new capital initiatives in and around our provincial parks, enhancing and modernizing our provincial parks for all Manitobans and visitors to enjoy,” said Ronald Smith, chair of the Manitoba Provincial Parks Cabin Owners Association.
