Ontario reveals its new operating provincial park. Here’s what you need to know
CTV
The Ontario government revealed Thursday the location for their new operating provincial park, saying it will be situated in cottage country just a few hours drive from the Greater Toronto Area.
The Ontario government revealed Thursday the location for their new operating provincial park, saying it will be situated in cottage country just a few hours drive from the Greater Toronto Area.
On Thursday, the provincial government announced it will be transforming Bigwind Lake Provincial Park near Bracebridge, Ont. into a fully operational campground.
The park will offer overnight and electrified campgrounds, backcountry camping and four-season recreational activities, officials said. In total, officials expect the park to add 250 campgrounds, as well as up to 25 new cabins to the Ontario Parks system.
“Parry Sound–Muskoka is home to some of Ontario's most popular provincial parks. Today's announcement reaffirms our government's commitment to protecting these special places,” Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, said in a statement.
“Residents and tourists will soon have access to another truly beautiful and quintessential provincial park. I have full confidence that Bigwind Lake Provincial Park will become a very popular destination for people to take in the splendor of our area.”
It is important to note the government is not creating a new provincial park. Bigwind Lake Provincial Park exists as a 5,000 acres non-operating park, which means residents can visit the area to go hiking or canoeing, for example, but it is not staffed and doesn’t have camping capabilities.
The province is proposing a repurposing of this land so it is fully-serviced. This will involve the construction of amenities such as a visitor centre, electric vehicle charging stations and electrified campsites.
