NEWS RELEASE
LAKE SIMCOE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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On the heels of today’s Provincial announcement, lifting additional pandemic restrictions, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) is working to reopen conservation areas across the watershed by Friday, May 29, 2020.
“We understand these past weeks have been really tough for our watershed residents,” said Mike Walters, LSRCA’s chief administrative officer. “Having limited access to nature has added to the impacts of isolation and we are grateful for everyone’s patience and the support of our municipal partners. We look forward to supporting Ontario’s cautious approach as we resume monitoring and maintenance duties at our conservation areas to enable a phased reopening.”
LSRCA anticipates reopening all conservation areas that were previously closed by May 29. While gates and parking lots will open, amenities such as picnic pavilions and tables, washrooms, natural play structures and the off-leash dog park at Scanlon Creek will remain closed until further notice.
“Knowing how important nature is to our health and wellbeing, we are thrilled that we can begin to implement our phased approach to reopening conservation areas,” said Brian Kemp, general manager of conservation lands at LSRCA. “While our properties will open, to maintain safety, the amenities will remain closed until we receive further guidance from the Province and health officials.”
LSRCA looks forward to welcoming visitors back to our properties on May 29 and ask that the following guidelines be observed during visits:
• Only visit with members of your household
• Park in dedicated parking areas only
• Remember there are no washroom facilities, so please plan for a short visit
• Maintain physical distancing of two metres/six feet from other individuals/groups
• Your litter; your responsibility, including pet waste – please take it home with you
• Stay on the trail and dogs-on-leash is always the rule
Find your closest conservation area and a complete list of safety guidelines here. Follow us on our social media channels for updates to this notice or to learn about other activities you can participate in.
It is the mission of LSRCA to work with our community to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed by leading research, policy, and action.
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