I am saddened to see the…

I am saddened to see the decimation of our Provincial Parks, Conservation Reserves and protected areas, by not protecting ecological integrity and by the infrastructure occurring in these areas. I would comment that this is a “something is better than nothing” proposal.

The additions in this proposal are quite minimal and the larger expansions are Waterway Parks and Conservation Reserves. I do appreciate the additions to all Environmental Class areas, as this is totally needed and hopefully they are protected.

Knowing that Waterway Parks means that there is protection of the water and narrow strips of the shoreline. The water is supposed to be already protected, so this shouldn’t be included in these numbers? Furthermore, there is an allowance to build bridges over these waterways for forestry, undermining the protection of the waterway, due to erosion, sediment accumulation, inviting invasive species, destroying the waterway and habitat. It is unclear whether motorized water crafts will be prohibited in these waterway parks, so I ask “what will protection be?”
Conservation Reserves already allow hunting, trapping, hunt camps, atv’s, etc., so how are these areas truly protected? Eighteen (18) of the twenty seven (27) new expansion areas will allow hunting, even in Provincial Parks. So if my family and I decide to go out and enjoy these areas, there is a chance of being shot; Very comforting to know. Again, where is the protection?

This proposal makes it look like there are more protected areas, but the natural areas are not truly protected, so it is a bit of a false statement. The additional acclaimed protected areas are very minimal when looking at it per area. It is difficult to understand the logic behind these expansions since they will not be offering more ecological or habitat protection. The Ontario Parks ministry, have lost their status to protect nature and the environment, so now they focus on building and infrastructure in all protected parks and areas. There seems to be a problem in putting protection and care for ecological integrity, ecosystems and the environment, as the priority. This is not right!!

The Government of Ontario says “they are committed to preserving Ontario’s natural landscapes, promoting the importance of healthy, natural spaces, and increasing recreational opportunities for future generations to use and enjoy.” Unfortunately, the government of Ontario should be committed to learn more about preservation and totally protecting natural spaces, rather than just promoting them. Seemingly, the Ontario government is only promoting this proposal, as they will receive money from the federal government. Where and what and how, specifically, is the Ontario government using the $3.3 million dollars a year to protect natural areas? What protection, what enhancements to all areas? The promises in this proposal are very shallow.
The Government of Ontario also states that “expanding protected areas is focused on conserving and safeguarding Ontario’s unique ecosystems, habitats, and wildlife, while providing more green spaces for outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping and wildlife observation.” This just isn’t true with this proposal!!! How can these areas allow hunting, trapping, snaring, ATV presence, and major infrastructure, protect ecosystems; habitat and wildlife? Some of these newly proposed additions, have major infrastructure plans, that the government says will promote outdoor activities, but will actually decrease green spaces, and force wildlife to run from these areas. The devil is in the details. The plans within this proposal focus on hopeful economic benefits, no matter what the cost to the environment.

It is great that this government still has this protecting promotion on their minds, but unfortunately, it seems to be just a promotion for votes, The Environment doesn’t vote, it only tries to survive. We must work with Mother Nature, not against her.

I would suggest that the MECP/Ontario Parks create a new larger park by amalgamating the proposed additional 25,000 acres, or divide it and create two or three new parks that have a chance to actually protect ecosystems. If done properly, this would protect ecological integrity, and create more natural green spaces for people to enjoy.

After all being said, this proposal presents itself as a “something is better than nothing”.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this proposal.

Tripper Dave
P.S. I didn't realize that I had an account, my apologies.