Manitoba Environment, Climate, and Parks have decided to extend the state of local emergency within the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

While they've noticed improvements on the Winnipeg River as well as streams and lakes, high water levels persist in certain areas, which could create a risk for public safety. 

Manitoba Parks is continuing the evacuation order of Whiteshell Provincial Park’s Betula Lake area, including commercial area, group use, day use, recreational and picnic areas, playgrounds, trails, beaches, and cottage subdivisions.

The Winnipeg River is continuing to cause overland flooding and may take weeks to recede down to normal summer levels.

Campsite reservation holders will be contacted and issued refunds if they're booking is impacted by the closures. Campers are advised to wait until they're contacted, however, as standard cancellation policies will then apply.

The extended state of emergency will end on July 18th. For the full press release from the government of Manitoba, click here.