October 24, 2025
Manitoba Government Opens New Permanent Rest Stop on Provincial Trunk Highway 6
The Manitoba government has officially opened a permanent accessible rest stop at the Devils Lake rest area along Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 6, providing essential washrooms with running water and garbage facilities for travellers, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced today.
“The rest stop at Devils Lake not only provides a much-needed place to rest and recharge, but also improves safety, accessibility and comfort for Manitobans travelling along this remote stretch of highway,” said Naylor. “This permanent facility reflects our commitment to supporting rural communities and the safe infrastructure they require.”
PTH 6 is a vital transportation corridor connecting Winnipeg to northern Manitoba, including Thompson and surrounding communities. Until now, travellers faced long distances—often hundreds of kilometres—without access to basic amenities, the minister noted. These new rest stop facilities help reduce the risk of driver fatigue, support commercial and tourism traffic, and improve overall travel safety.
The Manitoba government installed temporary washroom and garbage facilities as a pilot project at the Devils Lake and Williams River rest areas in 2024. The permanent facility at Devils Lake will be regularly serviced for garbage pickup and maintenance, while the Williams River temporary facility remains open for public use.
“This is a major step forward for Manitoba,” said Stacy Kennedy, Thompson resident. “Highway 6 is a critical corridor to the north, connecting communities, supporting economic activity and enabling access to essential services for northerners “For years, travellers between Saint Martin Junction, Grand Rapids and Wabowden have gone without basic amenities. The new permanent rest stop at Devils Lake enhances safety, comfort and accessibility, and we commend the Manitoba government for responding to the needs of our communities.”
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will continue to identify other potential sites for temporary seasonal facilities or permanent infrastructure along Manitoba’s rural highway network, the minister noted.
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