While the wildfire along the Ontario border and inside Whiteshell Provincial Park remains out of control, Manitoba Parks is advising progress has been made, permitting the reopening of select areas in the park that are a safe distance away from the wildfire.

Manitoba Parks is working closely with the Manitoba Wildfire Service, Conservation Officer Service and other partners to implement a phased approach to reopen safe areas, beginning with allowing the return of permanent residents, cottagers and commercial operators to the following areas:

  • Falcon Lake and Barren Lake in the south Whiteshell
  • Sylvia Lake, Eleanor Lake, Dorothy Lake, Otter Falls, Barrier Bay, Nutimik Lake and Betula Lake in the north Whiteshell
  • Campgrounds will remain closed, in part to limit traffic volumes in the park.

At 9am, Wednesday, May 21, Provincial Road (PR) 307 reopened for local traffic from Seven Sisters east to Betula Lake. Traffic is restricted to the following areas: Sylvia Lake, Eleanor Lake, Dorothy Lake, Otter Falls, Barrier Bay, Nutimik Lake and Betula Lake. Access to these lakes is only through Seven Sisters, as PR 307 remains closed at Rennie to Betula Lake.

Falcon Lake and Barren Lake will also reopen to local traffic only.

All seasonal and nightly campsites across Whiteshell Provincial Park will remain closed at this time. Campsite reservations are being cancelled for all campgrounds in Whiteshell Provincial Park up to and including May 29. This closure may be extended, depending on how the situation evolves. The Parks Reservation Service is contacting affected campers by email.

All hiking trails and water routes remain closed and backcountry travel is prohibited. A full fire ban also remains in effect.

The state of local emergency for Whiteshell Provincial Park remains in place. Manitoba Parks is continuously evaluating the situation alongside the Manitoba Wildfire Service and will continue to reopen addition areas as conditions improve.

Manitobans travelling to any provincial parks are reminded to check and monitor conditions before visiting. Details on park closures, fire restrictions and other updates are available at manitobaparks.com.