December 7, 2020
Travel Manitoba Awards Contract to Study Sustainability of Parks
A contract to study and evaluate Manitoba’s provincial parks has been awarded by Travel Manitoba to Manitoba-based firm MNP LLP in combination with HTFC Planning and Design and Prairie Research Associates, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard announced today.
“We are excited at the possibilities this review will explore as we continue to look for options to improve the number of visitors and enhance their experiences at Manitoba’s provincial parks,” said Guillemard. “Parks are the jewels of our province and we intend to make them even better. Our parks are not for sale. They are ready for reinvestments after many years of neglect. I am excited to see what this study has in store.”
The goal of the Travel Manitoba-funded study is to consider the current state of Manitoba’s provincial parks and to review all options for improved parks services, as well as to develop additional facilities and amenities. The review will also consider how other jurisdictions, provincially and nationally, manage parks and will provide options for revenue generation in order to sustain high-quality, public provincial parks. It will conclude with recommendations for the development of a new Manitoba provincial parks strategy.
“Manitoba’s provincial parks offer residents and visitors alike a range of outdoor pursuits,” said Colin Ferguson, president and CEO, Travel Manitoba. “We look forward to the recommendations of the study to help us determine how we can make our parks an even more enjoyable experience for all.”
The transparent review process will survey provincial park users, cottage owners, business owners who operate within the parks and special interest organizations, the minister noted.
The study is expected to conclude in the spring of 2021 with a report delivered to the minister from Travel Manitoba.
Manitobans can stay up to date with provincial parks news, activities and events by following the social media accounts www.facebook.com/MBGovParks or www.twitter.com/MBGovParks.
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