ONTARIO GOVERNMENT BACKS DOWN AS THREE NORTHEASTERN PARKS TO REMAIN OPEN IN PILOT PROJECT

Faced with united opposition across Northeastern Ontario, the provincial government has partially backed down on park closures and has entered into a two-year pilot project agreement  to keep three open. Much credit is due to the efforts of the Friends of Ivanhoe Lake Provincial Park on Facebook, in applying pressure  on the Ontario government. Municipal councils were also greatly involved. Congrats folks in Northeastern Ontario on a job well done.

The following is the official news release from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Ontario is working with the Town of Hearst, the Township of Moonbeam and the City of Timmins to keep visitor services at provincial parks in their areas.

In September 2012, the province announced it was changing these parks from operating to non-operating designation along with seven others because of low visitation and occupancy levels that resulted in financial losses.

Under a two-year pilot project, Ontario Parks will work with the respective municipalities to operate Fushimi Lake, René Brunelle and Ivanhoe Lake provincial parks, with the goal of increasing their revenue and visitation rates. Municipal partners will be responsible for covering any financial losses incurred during the pilot period.

Alan Spacek President of FONOM, mayor of Kapuskasing is optimistic regarding the project’s potential success and benefits “The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is grateful for the relationship we share with Minister Gravelle and MNR. We want to thank the minister for being receptive and having a conversation on the future of these provincial parks.” said Spacek.

 Our council is very happy with MNR and Minister Gravelle. We hope that this project will work well as René Brunelle park is very important to our municipality. “Gilles Audet, Mayor, Township of Moonbeam

 Fushimi Lake is an important feature in the social and recreational life of our community. On behalf of our municipal council and Friends of Fushimi, I would like to convey our appreciation for the foresight and trust the Minister has shown to the Town of Hearst. This has helped us achieve a constructive partnership with the Ontario government that will give a second life to Fushimi Lake.” said Roger Sigouin Mayor, Town of Hearst.

Working collaboratively with municipalities is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to strengthen the economy and sustain jobs for families.

Quick Facts

• Beginning on Jan. 28, 2013, campsites can be reserved online 24 hours a day or by calling the park reservation line at             1-888-ONT-PARK       between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily. Fushimi Lake operates on a first come-first served basis; reservations are not accepted.
• There are more than 330 provincial parks in Ontario, over 100 of which will continue as operating parks that provide various visitor services.
• As part of the pilot, more seasonal campsites will be offered at the three parks. Applications for seasonal sites at these parks will be accepted between Jan. 18 and Feb. 1, 2013.

Learn More