A message from the Ontario Government
Province lowering cost for seasonal passes and providing more free day-use permits through libraries
The Ontario government is making it easier and more affordable for families to spend time in provincial parks. The province is reducing the price of the popular seasonal day-use vehicle permits by up to 36 per cent and increasing the number of day-use vehicle permits that can be borrowed from public libraries, free of charge.
“Getting outdoors and spending time in nature can have a profound positive impact on our health and well-being, and this has become even more evident during COVID-19,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Cost should not be a barrier to enjoying these important benefits, which is why we are helping to make Ontario Parks more affordable and accessible to all.”
The new, lower priced Ontario Parks seasonal day-use vehicle permits are on sale at www.ontarioparks.com/parkstore now. The Ontario Parks Library Day-Use Vehicle Permit Lending Program is already available for free at some libraries and is now expanding to more libraries across the province. Library users at participating branches can borrow a day-use vehicle permit, which will include free entry, and discount coupons for a future regular day-use vehicle permit to Ontario Parks.
Ontario Parks is also introducing a new commercial day-use vehicle permit for tourism businesses, including accommodations and resorts, to lend to their guests to enjoy as part of their stay. Providing businesses with more opportunities to expand their visitor experiences through this added promotional offer is another way the province is supporting Ontario’s tourism sector during these challenging times.
“Ontario’s public libraries are important community hubs that provide access to a wide range of information, programs and services,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “The expansion of the Ontario Parks Library Day-Use Vehicle Permit Lending Program is just one example of how our government is working together during the COVID-19 outbreak to help people safely engage in all the province has to offer. I encourage Ontarians to continue to support their communities by safely visiting local libraries, parks and attractions.”
Ontario is committed to protecting natural areas, supporting conservation efforts and promoting the importance of healthy, natural spaces for future generations to use and enjoy, as outlined in our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.
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These discounts will not help support the infrastructure and staffing of these parks. And down the road, they will appear to be “Losses” on the Income Statement.
In March the Conservative Government in Alberta announced it is CLOSING parks. See https://globalnews.ca/news/6623820/alberta-parks-closures/ to save a few million.
So in a year or two, will this Conservative Government do the same here, “Because the parks are not supporting themselves.”? I think this is a trap and if it is, it is a SHAME.
Our Family enjoys the privilege of using these parks, even though it is difficult to get in, the rates are low enough. I would rather pay more than risk losing them in the coming years.