The Manitoba government is expanding a program that allows commercial tourism outfitters the opportunity to create unique overnight accommodations on ice for anglers and eco-tourists, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced last week.
“Last year was the first time Manitoba resource tourism operators had the chance to offer on-ice overnight accommodations to anglers on Lake Winnipeg and it was a resounding success,” said Nesbitt. “I know Manitobans are enjoying summer right now, but winter will be here before we know it and our government is pleased to expand the eligibility of this innovative program, which offers anglers and eco-adventure tourists a world-class winter experience.”
This winter, commercial tourism outfitters will have the opportunity to offer overnight accommodations on ice on 20 waterbodies throughout Manitoba. The expanded program will allow both new and existing resource tourism operators to apply to offer overnight accommodations on ice.
“We have heard loud and clear from our members, their guests, and Manitoba anglers that there is demand for overnight accommodations on ice in our province,” said Mat Hobson, president, of Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association. “We are overjoyed that the Manitoba government has worked with us to develop the safe and sustainable framework that they are rolling out across our province.”
Based on a Department of Natural Resources and Northern Development review as well as stakeholder feedback, the expanded program will include provisions that:
- restrict permits for certain lakes to existing operators to prevent oversaturation in limited markets;
- increase the buffer distance from 50 metres to 200 metres from developed areas including residences, vacation homes or businesses;
- introduce a requirement for operators to affix multi-directional safety reflectors to all four corners of each accommodation unit; and
- allow operators to include a storage structure as part of the portable camp application.
Operators will still be required to meet all other specified environmental, safety, and recreational vehicle construction standards, noted Nesbitt.
For additional information including applications to participate in the 2023-24 winter season, visit www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/accommodation/index.html.
Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg
New applicants and applicants with a 2023 Resource Tourism Operators Licence in good standing are eligible to apply for a portable camp on ice, for angling and/or ecotourism activities, on Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg for the 2023-24 season.
Other Waterbodies
Applicants with a 2023 Resource Tourism Operators Licence in good standing and authorization to offer angling or ecotourism services on the following lakes are eligible to apply for a permit for a portable camp on the ice, for angling and/or ecotourism activities, for the 2023-24 season:
- Athapapuskow Lake
- Cedar Lake
- Cormorant Lake
- Joey Lake
- Kississing Lake
- Lac du Bonnet
- Lake of the Prairies
- Lake of the Woods (Buffalo Bay)
- Lake Wahtopanah
- Oak Lake
- Ospawagan Lake
- Partridge Crop
- Pelican Lake
- Rock Lake
- Rocky Lake
- Tramping Lake
- Upper Ospawagan Lake
- Wekusko Lake