May 24, 2011
The province will spend more than $20 million during the next five years to spruce up Whiteshell Provincial Park.
The West Hawk Lake town site will be redeveloped, campgrounds will be improved throughout the park and a goose sanctuary visitor centre will be expanded to accommodate large groups such as from schools.
The beach wall at West Hawk will be shored up. Other town improvements will include new pedestrian and bike trails, streetscaping, new lighting, themed banners, improved parking and cross works.
The Free Press earlier reported on some of the proposed improvements to the townsite but learned many more details Friday.
An open house is being held today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the fire hall in West Hawk so residents can view the plans. A second open house will be held in Winnipeg at the Canad Inns Club Regent from 5 to 8 p.m.
Campground improvements throughout the park will include new washroom and shower buildings at the Big Whiteshell, Falcon Lake, West Hawk and Betula sites.
The province will improve drinking water and wastewater services at several park campgrounds and upgrade electrical sites. It will also resurface the road at Falcon Lake.
Every year, more than one million people visit Whiteshell Provincial Park. Many are attracted by the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary visitor centre. Plans are to expand the centre using green technology. New interactive displays will be created about the sanctuary, goose populations and other Whiteshell park features.
The province said this $2-million redevelopment is still in early planning. Completion is not expected until 2015 or 2016.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 21, 2011 A7