Campers who want to roast wieners or marshmallows over a crackling campfire at Paint Lake Provincial Park this summer will have to bring their own firewood or money to buy some.
In a Feb. 17 Facebook post, Paint Lake Lodge said it has signed a contract with Manitoba Parks to be the wood sales vendor for the campgrounds now that firewood will no longer be available at no cost.
“We will be selling wood by the cubic bundle and also larger sizes bulk for those that require more in the season,” said the lodge’s post.
A Manitoba Conservation and Climate spokesperson said firewood was never free but that there was a $5 surcharge built into the camping fees.
In areas where a local vendor is available to supply firewood, Manitoba Parks no longer provides this service and camping fees are reduced when firewood stops being included. At Paint Lake specifically, the spokesperson said, firewood will still be provided for winter recreation activities.
Another change for the upcoming season is that all the docks at the marina are now owned by Paint Lake Lodge, which asked for ideas on how to improve the marina to be emailed to info@paintlake in their Feb. 17 Facebook post.
“We do know customers would love the docks to be in longer but in October it’s hard to find help to remove them, as the weather is colder and we are a small crew of under five people at that time,” said Paint Lake Lodge’s post. “So docks will be removed at same time as [in] the last few years [in] late September.”
The marina was offered for purchase through a request for proposals in August and September of last year.
The spokesperson said the marina was losing money and that the lodge had expressed interest in taking over its operation, as they already had a service contract to inspect the dock and marina area, pick up garbage, monitor berthed boats and administer rental agreements and collect fees.
“This new arrangement is expected to result in improved service for marina users,” said a statement from the province.
