Bid to create massive heritage area along Manitoba-Ontario boundary hits snag

WINNIPEG – A bid to create a massive heritage area along the Manitoba-Ontario boundary has hit a snag.

A UNESCO advisory committee has recommended the bid to have the area declared a world heritage site be deferred for at least another year.

The committee says more study is needed to determine whether the large swath of intact boreal forest qualifies for the designation.

The Manitoba government has committed or spent more than $14 million already on the project, and Ontario has put up money as well.

Manitoba Conservation Minister Gord Mackintosh says the government will continue to pursue the designation.

The area, called Pimachiowin Aki (Pim–MATCH–cho–win Ahh–KEY), covers 33,400 square kilometres of pristine boreal forest.

The Manitoba government says getting a UNESCO designation would attract tourists from around the world and help protect the environment.