Tag: parks canada

Seize on pandemic-fuelled enthusiasm for outdoors to expand protected wilderness, former parks chief urges

May 5, 2021

In recent weeks, Alberta’s government has moved to add user fees to some of its protected areas, citing the conservation needs from increased visitors seeking to get out of the city

Author of the article:Tyler DawsonPublishing date:May 03, 2021  •  2 days ago  •  4 minute read  •   19 Comments

A hiker looks at Lake O’Hara, located in Yoho National Park, in this undated handout image.
A hiker looks at Lake O’Hara, located in Yoho National Park, in this undated handout image. PHOTO BY THE CANADIAN PRESS

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EDMONTON — A former Parks Canada head says governments should look to expand protected wilderness in Canada, seizing on the enthusiasm for the outdoors that has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think it does help alleviate the potential impacts on existing parks and I think it creates new opportunities for people to connect with nature,” said Alan Latourelle, who headed the federal agency between 2002 and 2015. “We have a base of public support that we should seize at this time.”

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More staycationers, more litter: Gros Morne National Park asks visitors to keep park clean – CBC News

September 3, 2020

Increase seen in trash, dogs off leash, feeding wildlife

CBC News · Posted: Sep 02, 2020 11:37 AM NT | Last Updated: 5 hours ago

There has been a large increase in visitors to Gros Morne from within Newfoundland and Labrador this year. (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

As Gros Morne National Park has seen an increase in local visitors this summer, staff have also seen some unwelcome sights: more litter on trails, dogs off-leash, people feeding wildlife and even toilet paper scattered in the wilderness.

Rob Hingston, Parks Canada’s acting visitor experience manager at Gros Morne, said while they see some of that every year, “this year it seems to be a little bit more obvious.”

“I think what we have is, we have a lot of people that may not be familiar with national parks and what’s expected behaviours with regard to looking after their own safety, and with regard to how they should keep the park unimpaired and protected,” said Rob Hingston, Parks Canada’s acting visitor experience manager at Gros Morne.

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Mountain biking mecca being built by Man – Manitoba Free Press

August 25, 2020

Local trails designer making Manitoba a riding destination

By: Steve Lyons | Posted: 08/21/2020 7:00 PM

NEEPAWA — As I pull into the site, I see a massive hole in the ground with several bulldozers at work. I also see Alex Man standing at the far end of the dirt road. It’s the second time I’ve met up with Alex — the first time was on a bike ride near Dauphin, and now for a tour of his latest earth-moving project.

What I’ve learned between the two rides is Manitoba is seeing a significant boom in mountain bike trails being built, and Alex is the man spearheading much of that growth.

On this day, he has just returned from a meeting with Parks Canada about a project in Riding Mountain, and when I pull up he is giving a briefing to Neepawa mayor Blake McCutcheon and Economic Development Officer Marilyn Crewe on the in-progress mountain biking park in that community.

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Tesla donates electric vehicle chargers to Canadian parks – The Daily Hive

August 19, 2020

Irelyne Lavery|Aug 17 2020, 10:05 am

The federal government has announced that 28 of the most popular Parks Canada locations now have Tesla-donated electric vehicle charging stations.

Jonathan Wilkinson, the Minister of Environmental and Climate Change and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, made the announcement last week that these stations are now available for visitors to use.

“With the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at more and more Parks Canada places across the country, the Government of Canada is making it easier for Canadians to choose our amazing national parks, national marine conservation areas, national historic sites, or national urban park for their next travel destination, all while reducing emissions, discovering nature, and connecting with history,” Wilkinson said.

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5 Parks Canada locations you can road trip to from Toronto – Daily Hive

August 19, 2020

Karen Doradea|Aug 17 2020, 10:17 am

Outdoor patios can only be fun for so long. For residents in the city looking to quench their thirst for adventure, why not explore the outskirts of Toronto?

If you’ve considered going on a day trip with a group of your closest friends, Parks Canada offers amazing National Parks and Historic Sites that are just a drive away.

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Feds invests $6M in conservation projects at national parks in Ont. to fight climate change – CanadianManufacturing.com

August 13, 2020

The investment will expand on efforts to protect reptiles and amphibians in Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay Islands and Thousand Islands national parks.

KINGSTON, Ont. — On Aug. 7, the Canadian federal government announced federal investments totaling nearly $6 million for projects aimed at the restoration of ecosystems and the recovery of species at risk in Fathom Five National Marine Park and Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay Islands and Thousand Islands national parks.

“As we continue to safely restart our economy, our government will continue making investments that will help to support local jobs, protect our nature and fight climate change,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of environment and climate change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, in a prepared statement. “I am pleased that Parks Canada and Indigenous communities are partnering to support on-the-ground conservation activities. This is an excellent example of how Canada will rebuild better following the pandemic.”

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Métis Nation Sask. citizens receive free access to Sask. national parks – CBC

July 19, 2020

Parks Canada and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday that states Métis citizens in the province will receive free entry to national parks and historic sites in the province.

The MOU is part of Parks Canada’s open doors program, which is in effect until March 31, 2026.

“Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that recognizes and honours the contributions of Indigenous peoples, their histories and cultures, as well as the special relationships Indigenous peoples have with traditional lands and waters,” Parks Canada said in a statement.

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Local Parks Canada sites reopen as some COVID-19 restrictions lifted – SOOTODAY.com

June 4, 2020

Starting June 1, 2020, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site started offering limited visitor access and basic services.

Visitors are now able to access the following services and facilities:  

  • The recreational lock is operating, seven days per week, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • The public washroom is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Hiking on the Attikamek Trail
  • The day-use areas and green spaces on North and South St. Marys Islands
  • The east end parking lot

The east end parking lot is open, but as always, overnight parking and camping are strictly prohibited.

See the Full SooToday.com article