Wanuskewin to reopen Labour Day weekend
- Morgan Esperance | September 06, 2020
After five months of closure, Wanuskewin is reopening for Labour Day weekend with new preventative measures in place.
“This is the first time that we’ll be open since March 13,” said Andrew MacDonald, Director of Marketing and Communications.
“In the time that we have been closed, we’re just about wrapped up a major renovation project at Wanuskewin.”
The reconstruction is not yet complete, but guests will be able to experience the trails and bison park, go to the gift shop, and eat at the restaurant, which is introducing a special menu. There are also new shows in the art gallery on site.
COVID 19 precautions will be in place. Masks are mandatory and there is directional signage throughout the building to encourage social distancing. The building also has more than 20 hand washing and sanitizing stations.
The building capacity will be monitored, but the trails can accommodate a lot more people.
Visitors can still explore six kilometres of trails on their own or join the daily 11:30 a.m. guided walk, MacDonald said.
The public programs also include a 1 p.m. bison tour where visitors can learn about the 15 buffaloes at the park, and a 2 p.m. traditional dance demonstration.
Renovations are still underway on the next phase, which will include permanent exhibits and a conference and event centre.
When the next phase is ready to open, there will be an announcement, said MacDonald,
“We will get people to areas they would like to go in a timely manner,” said MacDonald.
Wanuskewin is open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm this weekend.