Provincial parks and conservation reserves to reopen soon for limited access
Published May 9, 2020 at 5:34 pm
It’s the news that many residents who have been longing to get outside and enjoy the weather have been waiting for.
The province has announced that it will soon be reopening provincial parks and conservation reserves for limited day-use access, restricted to the following activities: Walking, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
520 of Ontario’s parks and conservation reserves will reopen this Monday, May 11. The remaining 115 will open on Friday, May 15.
Residents are encouraged to visit ontarioparks.com/park-locator to check the status of their local parks before setting out.
“I encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but please do so in a responsible way,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Practise physical distancing and follow the rules set out by health care officials to stop the spread of this virus.”
Camping and other activities remain unpermitted, and all buildings and facilities including washrooms, water taps, campgrounds, backcountry campsites, roofed accommodations, playgrounds, and beaches continue to be closed.
Videos
The province says over the next several weeks, Ontario Parks’ staff will be conducting critical maintenance and other park start-up procedures, so that more recreational activities and facilities will be available as soon as possible.
“In consultation with our health experts, we’re working to slowly phase-in the opening of Ontario Parks in a measured way to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
“People should take note that not all amenities will be open and plan accordingly.”
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising