FONOM Pleased with Decision to Keep Northern Parks Open
The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is pleased to hear that the Province will operate Ivanhoe Lake, Fushimi Lake and René Brunelle for the 2015 camping season.
“A great deal of hard work and dedication from community leaders and local residents were the driving forces behind the success that has lead to this decision,” says Al Spacek, FONOM President and Mayor of Kapuskasing, speaking to the announcement made by Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Bill Mauro, that the Province will operate three provincial parks in northern Ontario in 2015.
Following the Province’s decision to close ten provincial parks to overnight camping in 2012, surrounding municipalities began working towards a reversal of that decision for three of the parks. Ivanhoe Lake, Fushimi Lake and René Brunelle were kept open as a result of a partnership between the Province and the City of Timmins, the Town of Hearst and the Township of Moonbeam, respectively. The partnership, which had municipalities agree to shoulder any financial shortfall within a pilot project, in fact, experienced increased revenue and visitation levels due to park operational changes.
“This is a perfect example of what we can achieve when we all work together,” continued Spacek. “It is evident the Province recognizes the value of provincial parks to northern Ontario from both a social and economic perspective and we thank Minister Mauro and the Premier for all their efforts.”
FONOM looks forward to another successful camping season in 2015 and continues to encourage everyone to experience northern parks.
