Winnipeg Beach is closed this weekend, but local residents say it'll be better than ever when it reopens. 

Harsh weather battered the beach at Winnipeg Beach Provincial Park during several storms last year.

Waves washed away sand and damaged the boardwalk.

The province invested $5 million to widen the beach and build a new concrete boardwalk.

While some tourists may have been disappointed to see a fence up at the beach this long weekend, a local motel owner thinks patience will pay off. 

"It affects the cottagers and people who come out for the day who don't know what's happening here, but there's a lot of regulars who come out here who know this is going to be a fabulous beach once it's done,” said Peter Czorny, who owns the Hamilton House Motel, across the street from the beach. “Sometimes you have to wait for."

Mayor Tony Pimentel says the south portion of the beach will be open at the beginning of June.

The rest of the beach will re-open by the end of June.