Wapusk National Park of Canada
Park Management
When we speak of the land, we mean all parts of the land:
The rocks, the water, the fish, the birds, the wildlife, the forest.
People are keepers of the land.
The land is there for the use of the people, but the land must be kept in balance.
– Donald Saunders, York Factory First Nation
Map of Wapusk National Park © Parks Canada
The plan was developed in the early 1970s to provide a framework for establishing new national parks. To create the plan, scientists divided the country into 39 distinct natural regions based on landscape and vegetation. Parks Canada continues to work towards ensuring that all 39 regions will eventually contain at least one national park. Currently, there are 42 parks, representing 29 regions.
To view a map showing current progress on completing the national park system, see Map - Completing Canada's National Parks System.
Wapusk Management Board © Parks Canada
Wapusk National Park joined Canada's family of national parks on April 24, 1996.
The park is managed by a 10-member board made up of representatives of Canada, Manitoba, the Town of Churchill, York Factory First Nation and Fox Lake Cree Nation. The board operates as a partnership of these groups, and deals with decisions related to the planning, development and management of Wapusk. The board reflects Parks Canada's mandate through its philosophy, rooted in Aboriginal culture, that people are Keepers of the Land.
The Wapusk National Park Management Plan (PDF, 2.5 MB) was approved and tabled in Parliament by the Minister of the Environment on October 19, 2007. As a result, the park now has guidelines to follow and implement for visitor activities and future management.
Some changes, such as entry fees and business licensing, will be introduced over time. Certain activities will continue as they have since the signing of the Park Establishment Agreement on April 24, 1996, but the approval of the management plan allows for more visitor activities.
The Wapusk Management Board and Parks Canada are currently taking steps towards the implementation of management goals and visitor activities as they are presented in the management plan. Changes affecting people or businesses will be developed with stakeholders and decisions will be communicated well in advance of implementation.
Research and monitoring programs are important tools that can be used to gain an understanding of ecological resources and processes in the park. Monitoring also allows park managers to determine the effectiveness of management actions. Learn more.
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