Our province has announced plans to reopen more of Whiteshell Provincial Park, beginning tomorrow morning.
Effective Thursday at 9 am, residents, cottagers, commercial operators and day visitors may return to the following re-opened areas in Whiteshell Provincial Park:
- South Whiteshell areas: Star Lake, Hunt Lake, Caddy Lake Blocks 4, 9 and 10, and West Hawk Lake west shore and south shore subdivisions.
- North Whiteshell areas: Brereton Lake, Red Rock Lake, White Lake and Jessica Lake.
This follows previously re-opened areas of Pointe du Bois, Falcon Lake, Barren Lake, and the north Whiteshell along Provincial Road (PR) 307 from Seven Sisters east to Betula Lake. PR 307 will fully open Thursday, May 29 from Seven Sisters to Rennie, along with Provincial Trunk Highway 44 from Rennie to West Hawk Lake. PR 309 to Big Whiteshell remains closed.
Due to their proximity to the fire, the following areas remain closed including all cottage subdivisions, commercial areas, campgrounds, group use, day use, recreational and picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, beaches and backcountry canoe routes and campsites:
- Crowduck Lake
- Big Whiteshell Lake
- Caddy Lake Blocks 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, Island, Green Bay Resort, and the public boat launch at Block 4
- West Hawk Lake - McDougall's Landing, Big Island Landing and Indian Bay
- Florence Lake, Nora Lake, Ophir Siding
A full fire ban is in effect and all hiking trails and water routes in Whiteshell remain closed, and all backcountry travel is prohibited without a travel permit. Industry, commercial operators and remote cabin owners in open areas may inquire for backcountry travel permits at their local park district office.
Campgrounds in Whiteshell Provincial Park will welcome campers in a phased approach that mirrors previous reopening of areas for residents, cottagers and commercial operators. This staggered approach is in place to allow commercial operators and park staff time to prepare facilities and services for returning visitors. Services may remain limited at some campgrounds as park staff continue to support fire response efforts.
Then, effective Friday, May 30th at 4 pm, the following seasonal and nightly campgrounds will re-open: Otter Falls, Dorothy Lake, Opapiskaw, Nutimik Lake, Betula Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore, and Toniata.
Campgrounds at Big Whiteshell Lake, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, West Hawk Lake, and White Lake will remain closed for seasonal and nightly camping until at least June 5th. This closure may be extended, depending on how the situation evolves. The Parks Reservation Service is contacting affected campers by email.
Manitoba Parks recognizes many Whiteshell residents, business owners, cottagers, and campers are frustrated about the closures, but the Ingolf fire is challenging suppression efforts as it continues to burn into the Mantario wilderness zone and has increased in size, with numerous hotspots and flareups being pushed by variable winds, hot temperatures and dry conditions.
As the fire remains out of control, those returning to reopened areas are advised to be prepared to evacuate again with little notice. All residents, cottagers, and seasonal campers should prepare an emergency go kit.
The fire in Nopiming Provincial Park continues to burn out of control and has burned a large area of the park. The park remains closed. Fire suppression efforts are currently focused on areas around Bird Lake and Long Lake. Sprinkler kits are being maintained at Long Lake and are being set up at Wallace Lake.
Reservations for all Nopiming campgrounds have been cancelled up to June 12th. This closure may be extended, depending on how the situation evolves. Campgrounds at Black Lake and Beresford Lake are expected to remain closed for the remainder of the season, along with the water routes at Beresford-Garner, Long-Manigotagan, Rabbit River, Seagrim Lake, and Shoe Lake. Manitobans who were planning backcountry trips along these routes this summer should make alternate plans.
