April 4, 2025
Manitoba’s Growing Need for More Conserved Outdoor Spaces
Ah… another year of waking up early, logging into the online queue at 6:30, waiting till the reservations open at 7, then waiting for who knows how long, 5 minutes or an hour, maybe longer..
Are we gonna be able to get a spot at our favourite park this year? Or find a site on the long weekends?
As camping reservations are opening up in Manitoba next week, it’s a great time to reflect on the growing demand for outdoor spaces and the need for more provincial parks and protected areas across the province. With an increasing number of people seeking outdoor recreational opportunities and spending the summer exploring their own provinces, Manitoba has seen a surge in the popularity of its provincial parks. This growing interest highlights a significant gap in available camping spaces and the need for more parks and protected spaces to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers.
Why We Need More Parks
Many existing parks are often fully booked for the peak summer season within hours of reservation openings, leaving many hopeful campers without a spot. This not only leads to frustration for those who want to connect with nature but also puts additional pressure on the infrastructure of the current parks. Expanding the number of provincial parks and protected natural spaces would allow for a more equitable distribution of visitors, reducing overcrowding and preserving the natural beauty of the land.
Expanding provincial parks and protected spaces would contribute to conservation efforts. They would protect sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitats, ensuring that Manitoba’s natural biodiversity is preserved for future generations. By investing in establishing more parks and protected spaces, the province could also diversify recreational and cultural opportunities, allowing people to experience a wide range of landscapes, from boreal forests and wetlands to prairie grasslands and lakes.
As we prepare for another busy camping season, it’s crucial to consider the long-term benefits of expanding Manitoba’s parks and protected areas system. With thoughtful planning and community engagement, the province has an opportunity to build on its network of parks that balances recreational use with conservation, making Manitoba an even more attractive destination for outdoor adventurers while ensuring its natural ecosystems are protected for years to come.
The healthy forests, lakes and wetlands which help bolster our mental health are also working to protect our physical health. They clean our air, filter our water and act as a protective shield against the worsening impacts of climate change. We need more parks and protected spaces for nature – not less.
The Solution
If achieved, the Manitoba government’s mandate to protect 30% of Manitoba by 2030 will preserve many of Manitoba’s ecosystems and support wildlife populations. The new protected spaces for nature will provide the platform for all forms of outdoor and cultural activities that Manitobans cherish. If the provincial government rightly increases the number of campgrounds and services in these areas, it will greatly help serve the growing demand from nature lovers and help build a healthier society.
A huge part of achieving the protection of 30% of Manitoba’s landscapes involves Indigenous leadership with the many current initiatives focused on establishing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. These areas will safeguard nature and provide the foundation for a multitude of community-driven tourism opportunities.
Learn More:
Reserve a Manitoba camping spot here
Make your voice heard! Encourage the provincial government to make protecting 30% of Manitoba a high priority