M.D. Parks awaiting verdict from AHS on camping season

The M.D. of Bonnyville is waiting to hear back in the coming days from Alberta Health Services on what the camping season looks like.

Camping is set to open at M.D. sites on May 8 with COVID-19 protocol plans, but AHS will decide whether they will be allowed to open or not.

This plan is being actively developed between the Parks Manager and OH&S, said Caroline Palmer, general manager of planning and development.

“We at the M.D. are going to continue to prep our parks because in a month from now they could say, you’re open,” said Palmer.

“We still need to continue with the preparation of bringing the parks…cleaning and removing deadfall and that sort of thing that happens throughout the winter months and clean them up and get them ready to go whenever we get the green light.”

If allowed to open, some protocols could include kitchen areas closing, group stalls closing, and more measures to increase physical distancing.

Some stalls would not be available to rent.

“As of right now, we’re still accepting reservations. But people are aware when they make the reservations that this could change,” said Reeve Greg Sawchuk last week.

“If the province comes down and says that camping is not essential, then at that point time, we have no choice.”