Prince Albert National Park remains closed to the public. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

May Long Weekend

P.A. National Park not accepting visitors this weekend

May 13, 2020 | 2:56 PM

The May long weekend is coming up and while the Government of Saskatchewan has plans to allow certain businesses and services to re-open this is not the case across the board.

Prince Albert National Park, which falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government and Parks Canada, will not be prepared to receive visitors this coming weekend.

In an email to paNOW, Parks Canada said they are aware of the province’s plans. They said they will not be following.

“The agency’s current closure’s at national parks remain in place until further notice,” the statement said.

The email explained Parks Canada is following public health advice and putting in place measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

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In P.A. National Park, all facilities and services ranging from bathrooms to parking lots are closed. There are also no watercrafts allowed on the water. Highway 264 is open for travellers passing through only and there is no vehicle access outside the Waskesiu townsite.

“Some local businesses are open,” said the email statement.

Golf courses in the province have been given the green light to open back up, and Waskesiu layout will be taking tee times from May 16.

Parks Canada is working to get their facilities ready for when they are able to open. The ground staff are making preparations to resume work in some important areas.

“The agency is also planning for the resumption of some operations for natural and cultural conservation, asset management and maintenance, and asset renewal.”

Property owners still permitted

While the park is not open to visitors, those who own property inside the park are allowed to come in according to a notice posted on the Waskesiu website, which was updated this past Monday.

“Cabin and cottage owners can access and stay in their properties starting April 1, 2020,” said the statement.

Property owners are allowed to visit and stay at their properties, but Parks Canada is discouraging them from making the trip.

“Anyone considering a visit to a Parks Canada location should cancel their plans,” said the statement.

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Editor’s note: this story was amended to make clear the Waskesiu Golf Course opens May 16.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn