It's in Our Nature

Here’s a preview of some of the information that will be featured at the nine open houses.

News Release

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENING PROTECTION

OF PARKS AND NATURAL AREAS

Public Invited to Participate in Modernizing Parks Act

September 9, 2004

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is strengthening Ontario’s parks and protected areas by launching a major review of the province’s parks legislation for the first time in 50 years, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.

“Ontarians want to ensure our natural heritage is protected,” said Ramsay. “By modernizing legislation, our network of parks and protected areas will stay strong and healthy, and provide Ontarians with a quality of life that is second to none.”

In 1954, when the Provincial Parks Act was last reviewed, there were only eight provincial parks. Today there are 316 parks, 249 conservation reserves and 10 wilderness areas in the province. Ontario’s system of parks and protected areas welcomes more than 10 million visitors a year from Ontario and around the world.

The government will review its legislation governing provincial parks, conservation reserves and wilderness areas. Open houses to provide the public with information will be held in Timmins, North Bay, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Huntsville, Ottawa, London and Toronto. The government will also hold meetings with stakeholders and Aboriginal communities. In addition, the public can comment through the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry at www.ene.gov.on.ca/samples/search/Ebrquery_REG.htm by entering Registry Number AB04E6001.

“As well as protecting Ontario’s natural heritage, our parks and protected areas system provides significant recreational and tourism benefits,” said Ramsay. “We are delivering on our commitment to a real, positive change that will contribute to the health, vitality and economic prosperity of Ontario.”

Background Information

Contacts:
Media calls only:
Ginette Albert
Minister’s Office
(416) 314-2212

Steve Payne
Communications Services Branch
(416) 314-2103