All of the province’s provincial parks will be free for day use on Father’s Day.
Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek, made the announcement from Sandbanks Provincial Park Thursday afternoon.
June 19 and 20 will also be a free fishing weekend.
“These two initiatives are part of our government’s ongoing commitment to improve the Ontario Parks experience and make it easier for more Ontarians to safely take advantage of the many recreational opportunities available at our provincial parks.”
A pilot project aimed at preventing overcrowding at several parks, including Sandbanks, North Beach and Presqu’ile will be in effect, meaning you will still need to get a parking permit prior to attending the park to guarantee a spot.
Parking permits are free of charge and can be reserved online through the Ontario Parks website or by calling 1-888-ONT–PARK (668-7275).
Also speaking from Sandbanks, Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson applauded the pilot project.
He says when he approached officials about the problems at local provincial parks last year, Minister Yurek committed to making changes.
“This system is one tool that we have long advocated for in order to better manage visitation to the park and help avoid long lineups, blocking County roads, frustrating both visitors and residents. The County wants to see this pilot succeed and to continue in future years.”
Yurek is confident in the online reservation system for the pilot project which is underway at 17 parks.
“Based on trying to use the most advanced technology available, using cloud-based websites, we think that there shouldn’t be much of any crashes to the system going forward and be able to take the volume.”
The province previously announced free day use at all provincial parks from Monday to Thursday through early September.
Minister Yurek suggested some other free days on special weekends could also be announced as the summer goes on.
(Photo courtesy: MPP Todd Smith)
(Photo courtesy: MPP Todd Smith)
