KAWARTHA LAKES-The City of Kawartha Lakes will open the Victoria Rail Trail Corridor (VRTC) to ATVs, as of May 12. The trail will remain open to walking, cycling and other modes of active transportation. Park amenities are still closed across the municipality and are not sanitized according to the City.
The Ontario government Saturday it is opening provincial parks and conservation reserves for limited day-use access starting Monday May 11, 2020, with the remaining areas opening on Friday May 15, 2020. At this time, recreational activities will be limited to walking, hiking, biking and birdwatching. Day visitors will also be able to access all parks and conservation reserves for free until the end of the month.
“As we continue to make progress in our fight to stop the spread of COVID-19, we are carefully and cautiously reopening the province, starting with certain businesses and retailers, and now our provincial parks and conservation reserves,” said Premier Ford. “I encourage people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but please do so in a responsible way. Practise physical distancing and follow the rules set out by health care officials to stop the spread of this virus.”
Today 520 provincial parks and conservation reserves across the province will open, and the remaining 115 will open on the following Friday for limited day-use activities. At this time, camping and other activities are not permitted at any provincial park or conservation reserve. All buildings and facilities including washrooms, water taps, campgrounds, backcountry campsites, roofed accommodations, playgrounds, and beaches continue to be closed.
“People are eager to enjoy the warmer weather, stretch their legs and reconnect with nature,” said Minister Yurek. “In consultation with our health experts, we’re working to slowly phase-in the opening of Ontario Parks in a measured way to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff. People should take note that not all amenities will be open and plan accordingly.”
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 according to the Province.
Before planning your trip, please visit www.ontarioparks.com/
Kawartha Lakes says local, municipally owned parks and trails will continue to be monitored closely and the closures could be reinstated if the municipality sees any increased signs of risk. The public should expect to see an increased presence of local law enforcement. Physical distancing and safety protocols must be maintained at all times.
Use of the VRTC must adhere to the parameters outlined in By-Law 2019-089 and 2016-147. The side-by-side pilot program that was initiated in 2019 will also be extended until November 30, 2020.
