More good news for northerners as COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario start to ease.
Camping on Crown land will be allowed starting on Monday.
The province says camping on Crown land doesn’t include the use of shared facilities and is a low-risk way for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Backcountry camping will also be permitted on June 1st at Ontario Parks, including access points, paddle and portage routes and hiking trails and Ontario Parks is expanding day-use activities to include picnicking and off-leash pet areas.
No more than five people will be allowed to occupy a campsite, unless they live in the same household.
The public must follow the health rules including physical distancing and hand washing.
Ontario Parks will begin collecting fees for day-use and backcountry camping as of Monday.
However, the province is also extending a ban on overnight camping and some day-use activities at provincial parks until June 14th and will continue to be reassessed.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski says “Ontario Parks has been conducting critical maintenance and other park start-up procedures and ensuring operational and safety protocols are in place so that more recreational activities and facilities can open when it is safe to do so.
