Safety upgrades at Whiteshell park to begin soon

Construction on safety upgrades at a site in Whiteshell Provincial Park, where two young boys tragically drowned, will commence soon. The improvements, including new barriers and fenced lookouts, signage, and a new portage for kayakers and canoeists at Sturgeon Falls, have been promised by the province following the drowning of Maximo Au Ramirez, 10, and Aaron Au Ramirez, 13.

These measures, aimed at preventing another family from experiencing similar tragedy, were confirmed by Environment Minister Mike Moyes, who emphasized the province's responsibility to enhance safety at the site. The new fence will extend over 300 meters and reach about four feet in height, encircling the trail's end to deter individuals from venturing into the perilous area where rocks meet the water.

Additionally, six warning signs and three fenced lookout points will be installed to further bolster safety. The fallen victims, Maximo and Aaron, were never found following their disappearance in Nutimik Lake on July 18, though their bodies were recovered days later. Two other lives were lost at the site in recent years: 38-year-old Harpreet Kaur Girn in 2025 and 12-year-old Usaid Habib in 2023. The upgrades are slated to be completed by mid-September.