Manitoba Sustainable Development advises that construction on the seawall project at Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park has progressed to the point that the main beach has officially re-opened.
The seawall was heavily damaged by a storm last spring, but repairs and improvements are nearing completion and the public will now be allowed to access the main beach. Other work continues and there are some areas with new sod or grass seed that cannot be fully used yet. Additional finishing work on the sidewalk will continue for the next two to three weeks, so visitors are asked to follow signage and use the gravel path to the beach.
Improvements to the seawall and surrounding area will provide additional flood protection to the community and improve amenities for this popular summer destination. Construction continues on the north beach, but it is expected to reopen later this summer. While visitors can now enjoy the main beach, they are asked to respect the construction zone and avoid fenced-off areas.
The main beach at Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park and the west beach at Grand Beach Provincial Park have recently been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification for excellence in water quality and environmental management.
The Blue Flag program requires beaches to be reviewed on 33 criteria related to water quality, environmental education, environmental management, safety and services. The standards ensure the beach is protected and that public use will not harm its ecosystem. In Canada, the Blue Flag program is administered by Environmental Defence, a national environmental charity.
