Manitoba has set up a $20 million endowment fund for the modernization and enhancement of provincial parks, Premier Brian Pallister and Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard announced today.
Managed by the Winnipeg Foundation the Provincial Parks Endowment Fund is expected to generate $1 million annually that will be dispersed through a process involving stakeholders and Manitobans to determine project priorities.
“Our provincial parks are precious assets that can never been taken granted. The natural beauty and recreational opportunities found in our parks has provided solace and relief for many Manitobans throughout the pandemic,” said Pallister.
The fund will help to enhance and sustain provincial parks but won’t replace existing provincial park funding.
It is hoped that Manitobans can help the fund grow through private and philanthropic contributions. For every two dollars donated from outside sources, one additional dollar will be added to the fund through a matching formula.
“Manitoba saw record volumes of campground reservations during the staggered opening of bookings this year, which demonstrates the interest and the attachment Manitobans have to their provincial parks,” said Guillemard.
The province says the fund will help a number of projects including:
- development and maintenance of trails and boardwalks;
- improvements to amphitheatres, shelters, playground equipment, docks and launches;
- park road maintenance;
- habitat restoration and enhancement;
- historical assets and cultural sites;
- infrastructure to support programming;
- machinery and operational equipment;
- municipal servicing infrastructure;
- campground enhancements; and
- interpretive infrastructure to support programming.
© News4.ca 2021
