The Ontario government is opening provincial parks and conservation reserves for limited day-use access, with the first ones opening on Monday (May 11) and the remaining ones opening on Friday (May 15) in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who was wearing a t-shirt with a message thanking front-line workers instead of his usual suit, made the announcement on Saturday (May 9) along with health minister Christine Elliott and environment, conservation and parks minister Jeff Yurek.
“With Victoria Day around the corner, we have more good news to share today,” Ford said. “As of Monday, May the 11th, we will begin opening our provincial parks and conservation reserves for day use.”
Camping will not be permitted, only recreational day-use activities which will be limited to walking, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
“People will once again be able to enjoy the outdoors in one of our man beautiful provincial parks and conservation reserves our Province has to offer,” Ford said.
Public health measures will have to be followed at all times, Ford noted, including practising physical distancing, avoiding social gatherings, and staying home if you’re sick.
“We’re trusting people to be responsible and take this seriously, so they can enjoy themselves while staying safe and healthy,” Ford said.
Day visitors will also be able to access all parks and conservation reserves for free until the end of the month.
“With the warm weather just around the corner, I know that many Ontarians are looking forward to spending more time outdoors after being cooped up inside for so many weeks,” Yurek said, adding that Ontarians should also stay local, avoiding unnecessary travel to other areas of the province.
“If you’re planning to visit a provincial park, please only visit the one that is closest to your community,” Yurek said.
In response to a reporter’s question about whether public health measures at the park will be enforced, Yurek said Ontario Parks staff would be on hand to monitor the parks, but visitors would be expected to take personal responsibility for adhering to the measures.
Ontario Parks, an agency of the government, manages 340 provincial parks and 295 conservation reserves in Ontario. Of these, 520 will be open on May 11th, with the remaining 115 open on May 15th.
Camping and other activities other than walking, hiking, biking, and birdwatching will not be permitted at any provincial park or conservation reserve.
All buildings and facilities including washrooms, water taps, campgrounds, backcountry campsites, roofed accommodations, playgrounds, and beaches will continue to be closed. Drinkable water will also not be available, so visitors are asked to bring their own supplies.
The government is asking residents to visit www.ontarioparks.com/park-locator to check the status of local provincial parks before heading out.
Over the next several weeks, Ontario Parks’ staff will be conducting critical maintenance and other parks start-up procedures, so that more recreational activities and facilities will be available when it is safe to do so.
