No fire bans at provincial parks for May long weekend

What a difference one year makes.

In 2021, the province had multiple fire bans on during the May long weekend. This year, however, those heading out to do some camping will be able to do so with a campfire.

Dan French, executive director of Sask. Parks operations, said despite some potential rain in the forecast for the weekend, the province is in a much better spot in 2022.

“I can say with pleasure that we are allowing campfires. You may remember this time last year, we had actually 22 fire bans going through the provincial park system,” French said. “Those that are going to be a little chilly can know that they can certainly have a nice warm campfire.”

Another bonus for this year is that all provincial parks will be open to the public. French says a few weeks ago, that didn’t appear to be likely.

“Thankfully, the weather co-operated. There was quite a bit of snow on the ground about two weeks ago,” French said.

Online bookings have become incredibly popular to make reservations for campsites. French said it’s becoming the new normal.

“It was actually a little more successful than last year. Last year, as you may remember, we did break record numbers for our day use and camping nights, so we’re anticipating another very, very busy summer again,” French said.

There will be some new additions to the provincial parks on display in the northern areas of the province, according to French.

“We’re always welcoming new businesses to our provincial park family,” he said, “and this year we have some new water adventure parks, specifically new additions in Meadow Lake (and) Candle Lake Provincial Park.”