Liquor ban lifted, but campfires at risk at provincial campgrounds May long

For the first time in 23 years, the liquor ban in provincial campgrounds for May long weekend has been lifted.

The ban was introduced in 1995 after a number of incidents involving alcohol occurred in provincial parks during May long weekends.

Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires said the restriction is being lifted because campers have been better behaved the rest of the summer.

“We have seen a nearly 80 per cent reduction in alcohol-related offenses in our provincial parks since 1995 when the alcohol ban was implemented in provincial parks on May long weekend.”

Family-friendly liquor-free camping bays will remain available all season long at Birds Hill and Grand Beach parks. Squires said park patrols will be making sure quiet hours are adhered to.

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But while you can drink, you may not be able to have a campfire this May long.

As of Tuesday, fires were prohibited between 8 am and 8 pm. That’s when most wildfires spark.

But Squires said if it doesn’t rain, the province may be looking at further precautionary measures.

“There is rain in the forecast. If that rain does not materialize, we will be looking at greater restrictions to make sure that the threat of wildfires are contained,” she said.

There is some rain expected Thursday night and Friday.