Latest news with #WhiteshellProvincialPark
CTV News
23-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Creativity with a backhoe clears fallen rocks from tourist-destination tunnel
Workers are shown clearing rocks from a tunnel on Caddy Lake in Manitoba on Wednesday June 18, 2025 in this handout photo provided by the Manitoba government. A well-known cavelike tunnel that attracts boaters to eastern Manitoba has reopened, thanks to some ingenuity involving a backhoe, a grappling bucket, and a crew removing fallen rock from a tight, gorge-like opening. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Manitoba government (Mandatory Credit) WINNIPEG — A well-known cave-like tunnel that attracts boaters to eastern Manitoba has reopened thanks to some ingenuity involving a backhoe, a grappling bucket and a crew removing fallen rock from a tight, gorge-like opening. The tunnel between Caddy Lake and South Cross Lake, just north of the Trans-Canada Highway and west of the Ontario boundary, is the first of two cave-like tunnels along a popular water route for people in canoes, kayaks and small motorboats. Over the winter, there was a rockfall just outside the entrance to the tunnel. That prompted the government to close the tunnel, inside Whiteshell Provincial Park, to motorized boats and advise paddlers to portage over land. The province hired Toban Specialties Inc. to find a way to remove the fallen rock in a project that presented challenges. There were roughly 20 pieces of rock in the water, several metres down from the ground above, in an area not easily accessible. One of the larger rocks was more than a metre in length and a metre in diameter. 'The task wasn't what you do every day, but these are projects that I like to focus on,' the company's Mark Wiebe said in an interview. Wiebe and his crew got a backhoe, via a nearby road, to a grassy area above the tunnel entrance. To extend the reach all the way to the rocks, the crew used chains to attach a grapple bucket — a device with a claw on one side and a bucket on the other — to the hoe and devised a way to make the grapple bucket open and close. 'We were able to manipulate it so that we could face it downwards, so the teeth are facing at the water, and we could put it over the top of a rock and close the grapple and we could pick it up,' Wiebe said. 'Similar to what you have in a wrecker yard, picking up vehicles.' The work was done last week while the area was still suffering the effects of Manitoba's early forest fire season. Backcountry travel and waterways in the area, including the tunnel, had been closed to the public due to the wildfire threat. The Caddy Lake area has since reopened The operation was a success. Wiebe had backup plans, such as putting anchors in the rocks and hoisting them, but they weren't needed. The Manitoba government was impressed by the company's approach. 'It's definitely thinking outside of the box. It definitely shows some ingenuity from the contractor,' Joanne Podolchuk, a regional parks specialist with Manitoba Parks, said. 'The Caddy Lake tunnels are very loved in the area, and I think people will be happy that the rock has been safely removed and that access has been maintained again for that area.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 23, 2025 Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
‘No significant growth' in Manitoba's wildfires, but province keeping close eye as warmer weather arrives
Officials report on the current status of wildfires across Manitoba, detailing affected areas and ongoing response efforts. While there are still 25 wildfires burning in Manitoba with nine out of control, the province said the situation remains stable. In an update Thursday, the province's Wildfire Service said progress continues to be made to contain fires near communities. 'We have not had any new starts in the last 24 hours and no significant growth has been observed in recent days in any of the fires,' said Kristin Hayward, the assistant deputy minister with Manitoba's Wildfire and Conservation Officer services. She noted the fire burning in Whiteshell Provincial Park has been changed from out of control to being held. Despite the positive news, the wildfire situation is far from over. Hayward said warmer weather is coming and with that, the wildfire dangers levels are moderate throughout the province. 'As temperatures rise, the potential for flare ups does increase, so the fires may be laying low in these cooler, wetter temperatures and then as soon as the sun pops out and heats them, all of a sudden you start seeing smokes pop up.' Expand Autoplay 1 of 59 Wildfire haze Wildfire haze at Snowlake area (Photo by Kevin Shpak) Smoke filled skies from out of control wildfires in Norway House, Man., Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Norway House Airport as crews continue to fight wildfires in northern Manitoba. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski Smoke filled skies from out of control wildfires in Norway House, Man., Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Norway House Airport as crews continue to fight wildfires in northern Manitoba. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force help evacuees board a C-130 Hercules aircraft in Norway House, Man., Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Norway House Airport as crews continue to fight wildfires in northern Manitoba. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnow... Members of the Royal Canadian Air Force help evacuees board a C-130 Hercules aircraft in Norway House, Man., Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the Norway House Airport as crews continue to fight wildfires in northern Manitoba. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski Manitoba wildfires A wildfire in the Flin Flon, Man. area is shown in a government handout photo on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Manitoba Government (The Canadian Press) A wildfire in the Sherridon, Man. area is shown in a government handout photo on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Manitoba Government A wildfire in the Wanless, Man. area is shown in a government handout photo on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Manitoba Government *MANDATORY CREDIT* (The Canadian Press) A wildfire in the Sherridon, Man. area is shown in a government handout photo on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Manitoba Government (The Canadian Press) Smoke seen coming from the Lynn Lake wildfire on May 27, 2025. (Brandon Dulewich) Lynn Lake fire Smoke is seen billowing from a wildfire burning near Lynn Lake on May 27, 2025. (Brandon Dulewich) Lynn Lake Wildfire smoke is seen near Lynn Lake, Man., on May 26, 2025. (Morley Moore) Sherridon fire A wildfire near Sherridon is seen on May 28, 2025 (Michelle Reimer) Sherridon fire Smoke from a wildfire near Sherridon is seen on May 27, 2025 (Dan Sinclair) Sherridon fire Smoke from a wildfire near Sherridon is seen on May 27, 2025 (Dan Sinclair) Sherridon fire Smoke from a wildfire near Sherridon is seen on May 27, 2025 (Dan Sinclair) Sherridon fire Smoke from a wildfire near Sherridon is seen on May 27, 2025 (Dan Sinclair) Sherridon fire A wildfire near Sherridon is seen on May 28, 2025 (Michelle Reimer) Manitoba wildfire aftermath A home destroyed by a wildfire on Wendigo Road in the RM of Lac du Bonnet is seen on May 21, 2025. (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) wendigo road fire A home destroyed by a wildfire on Wendigo Road in the RM of Lac du Bonnet is seen on May 21, 2025. (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba rm lac du bonnet fire The aftermath of a wildfire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet is seen on May 21, 2025 (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) wendigo road fire A home destroyed by a wildfire on Wendigo Road in the RM of Lac du Bonnet is seen on May 21, 2025. (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) manitoba fire The aftermath of a wildfire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet is seen on May 21, 2025 (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) Manitoba fire The aftermath of a wildfire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet is seen on May 21, 2025 (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) RM of Lac du bonnet fire A car destroyed by a wildfire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet is seen on May 21, 2025 (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) manitoba wildfire The aftermath of a wildfire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet is seen on May 21, 2025 (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) manitoba wildfire Cars destroyed by fire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet are seen on May 21, 2025 (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) manitoba fire damage Cars destroyed by fire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet are seen on May 21, 2025 (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) lac du bonnet wildfire A fire burns as fire crews continue to fight wildfires around Lac du Bonnet, Man., Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski (David Lipnowski/THE CANADIAN PRESS) lac du bonnet helicopter Fire hoses are strewn across burnt land as fire crews continue to fight wildfires around Lac du Bonnet, Man., Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski (David Lipnowski/THE CANADIAN PRESS) Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with patrons at the Drifters Inn as fire crews continue to fight wildfires near Lac du Bonnet, Man., Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew speaks with patrons at the Drifters Inn as fire crews continue to fight wildfires near Lac du Bonnet, Man., Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski lac du bonnet volunteers Volunteers at the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre make meals for first responders battling wildfires in the area on May 15, 2025. (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg) A member of the Manitoba Wildfire Program crosses a stream with a new hose on his back as fire crews continue to fight wildfires around Lac du Bonnet, Man., Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski A member of the Manitoba Wildfire Program crosses a stream with a new hose on his back as fire crews continue to fight wildfires around Lac du Bonnet, Man., Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski lac du bonnet helicopter A helicopter flies out to battle a wildfire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet on May 15, 2025 (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg) lac du bonnet wildfire A helicopter flies out to battle a wildfire in the RM of Lac du Bonnet on May 15, 2025 (Scott Andersson/CTV News Winnipeg) A burning ban warning sign is seen in the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet, Man. on Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Lambert A burning ban warning sign is seen in the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet, Man. on Thursday, May 15, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Lambert The Pas, Manitoba The Pas, Manitoba during fire suppression of the ongoing wildfire. (Photo by Xander Wadelius) Lac du Bonnet wildfire Wildfire smoke billowing in the air in Lac du Bonnet on May 14, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News) Manitoba wildfires Lee River fire Smoke from a wildfire burning near Lee River, Man. is seen on May 13, 2025. (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) Lac du bonnet fire aerial An aerial photo shows a wildfire burning on May 14, 2025 in the RM of Lac du Bonnet, Man. (Government of Manitoba) A wildfire burns in the Wendigo Beach area near Lac du Bonnet, Man. in this handout photo posted on the Manitoba Hydro Facebook page on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Manitoba Hydro, Facebook *MANDATORY CREDIT* A wildfire burns in the Wendigo Beach area near Lac du Bonnet, Man. in this handout photo posted on the Manitoba Hydro Facebook page on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Manitoba Hydro, Facebook *MANDATORY CREDIT* lac du bonnet fire wendigo A sign for Wendigo Road in the RM of Lac du Bonnet, Man. on May 14, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg) lac du bonnet fire Smoke from a wildfire is seen on Wendigo Road in the RM of Lac du Bonnet, Man., on May 14, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg) lac du bonnet wildfire aerial An aerial photo shows a wildfire burning on May 14, 2025 in the RM of Lac du Bonnet, Man. (Government of Manitoba) St. Labre wildfire A wildfire nears St. Labre, Man. on May 13, 2025. (Gary Hora) St. Labre wildfire A wildfire nears St. Labre, Man. on May 13, 2025. (Gary Hora) Carrick wildfire Grey smoke fills the air outside Carrick, Man. (Gary Hora) St. Labre wildfire A wildfire nears St. Labre, Man. on May 13, 2025. (Gary Hora) Nopiming Provincial Park wildfire The remnants of a sign that once marked the entrance to Nopiming Provincial Park is shown in the aftermath of a wildfire on May 13, 2025. (Tab Harrop/Facebook) West Hawk Lake wildfire Smoke from a wildfire near Ingolf is seen from nearby West Hawk Lake on May 13, 2025. (Keith Henwood) Libau fire rcmp RCMP block off Road 32 East near Libau, Man. as crews battle a wildfire in the RM of St. Clements on May 12, 2025. (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) Libau fire Smoke from a wildfire burning in the RM of St. Clements near Libau, Man. is seen on May 12, 2025. (Joseph Bernacki/CTV News Winnipeg) Lac du Bonnet wildfire Lac du Bonnet wildfire A water bomber flies above Lac du Bonnet, Man. as a wildfire burns in the area on May 13, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg) lac du bonnet fire lac du bonnet A row of cars are lined up as they evacuate a wildfire near Lac du Bonnet, Man. on May 13, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg) lac du bonnet A wildfire burns near Lac du Bonnet, Man. on May 13, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg) Lac du Bonnet wildfire Smoke from a nearby wildfire is seen over the Lac du Bonnet Wildlife Association ponds on May 13, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg) Lac du Bonnet wildfire A water bomber flies above Lac du Bonnet, Man. as a wildfire burns in the area on May 13, 2025. (Jamie Dowsett/CTV News Winnipeg) These flare ups are one of the reasons the province is still waiting to determine when evacuees can return home. There are currently over 21,000 evacuees registered with the Canadian Red Cross. Hayward said the province wants to ensure there is really good containment before people can return home. 'I know on the ground it can look like the situation is really improving over the last little while, but just as we look ahead at the weather that's coming, we want to be really certain that we have a good handle on things before people repatriate.' There have been 116 wildfires in Manitoba in 2025. Ian Bushie, the minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures, said officials are cautiously optimistic after Manitoba received some rain over the past few days. However, he mentioned the province isn't even in the peak of wildfire season yet. 'As we go on, I'm encouraging Manitobans to be very fire smart and vigilant,' said Bushie. 'Pay attention to the fire bans and the restrictions that are appropriate to the certain areas that you are in the province.'
CBC
11-06-2025
- CBC
Permits allowing guns, ATVs in backcountry are unfair as the public stays barred: Whiteshell cottager
Social Sharing As all backcountry trails and waterways remain in Manitoba's provincial parks remain closed to the public, some cottagers say it's unfair that outfitters are allowed to hunt in the backcountry with government-approved permits during a provincewide state of emergency. Barb Robson, who lives in Winnipeg and has a cottage on the south shore of Big Whiteshell Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, told CBC News on Tuesday that her husband was not allowed to return to the cottage to collect their boat and family heirlooms that have been passed down for generations. She said it's not fair that some outfitters can go in the backcountry while trails remain closed and some cottagers are still being kept out of the park. "If you're going to give permits to outfitters, you should give permits to cottage owners and seasonal people who are just going in there, and out to retrieve their stuff," she said. Environment Minister Mike Moyes, who oversees provincial parks, said backcountry permits are issued to outfitters on a case-by case basis, and can be rescinded if fire conditions change. He said most of the human-caused fires currently burning across Manitoba were not intentionally set. He said he understands the frustration, but stressed that keeping the public out of certain areas helps to limit further spread and keep firefighting resources where they're needed most. "We really sympathize with those folks. We recognize just how important some of those places are, as well as some of those belongings. But we have to make sure that safety comes first," Moyes said, asking for patience. Robson questioned whether allowing outfitters to bring possible fire hazards like guns and all-terrain vehicles in the backcountry during the spring bear hunt is safe. She said it doesn't make sense to approve these permits at the same time provincial officials are urging people to reconsider non-essential travel in Manitoba to free up hotel rooms for wildfire evacuees. "They're telling people not to come to Manitoba and yet they're allowing them to go out and do their hunting. That's very frustrating. Where is the fairness in all of this?" she wondered. "Just take the permits away and then you're not going to have an issue with anyone, including me. Because they can't go to the backcountry and I can't," Robson said. Outfitters not operating in evacuated areas, association says The Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association says its members who hold approved permits are not operating in areas that have a mandatory evacuation order in place. Melanie MacCarthy, president of the association, said the permits issued by the provincial government come with safety restrictions, like ensuring ATV riders have fire extinguishers with them or limiting operations between 7 p.m. and 11 a.m. MacCarthy said backcountry access is "critical" for outfitters during bear season. "Bear hunting happens deep in the woods … Without that backcountry access, they essentially can't operate," she said. "It's a short window for our operators to make a living and they're only doing so when it's deemed safe by conservation and given an approved permit to do so," MacCarthy said. Robson said it's unfair for the province to approve any permits when members of the public have been barred from the backcountry. "If you're not going to let us in — point blank, if there's no backcountry travel — take the permits away. Take them away," she said. On Wednesday at 8 a.m., Robson will be able to return to her cottage on Big Whiteshell Lake, as that area of the provincial park reopens to permanent residents, cottagers and commercial operators, the province said in its Tuesday fire bulletin. Crowduck Lake will also reopen Wednesday morning. At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, permanent residents, cottagers and commercial operators can head back to Florence Lake, Nora Lake and Ophir Siding. On Friday, seasonal campers can return to campgrounds at Big Whiteshell Lake. Backcountry travel rules frustrate some Manitobans 11 hours ago Duration 1:54 Backcountry travel in Manitoba is only allowed right now with a permit, as a provincewide state of emergency because of wildfires continues. However, some Manitobans aren't happy with those rules.
CTV News
10-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Further reopening of Whiteshell Provincial Park expected to start tomorrow
A sign for Whiteshell Provincial Park is pictured on May 20, 2025. (CTV News Winnipeg)
CTV News
29-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
More highways reopen in Whiteshell Provincial Park following wildfire closures
A sign for Whiteshell Provincial Park is pictured on May 20, 2025. (CTV News Winnipeg) Additional highways in Whiteshell Provincial Park have reopened as crews continue to battle a massive wildfire in the area. The province announced on Thursday morning that three more highways have reopened to traffic. The highways reopening include Highway 44 from Highway 307 to Highway 1 at West Hawk; Highway 301 from Highway 1 at Falcon Lake to Highway 44 at West Hawk, and Highway 307 from Highway 11 at Seven Sisters to Highway 44. The highways were closed to allow crews to battle a large fire in the area. While the three new highways have opened, Highway 309 from Highway 307 to Big Whiteshell Lake and Highway 312 from Highway 44 to Ingolf both remain closed to traffic because of the wildfires. A fire near Falcon Lake has been burning since May 15 and is listed as out of control. It is currently 3,771 hectares in size.
