The Ontario Federation of…

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Membership (OFAH Membership) is Ontario’s largest, non-profit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, representing 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 675 member clubs. We have reviewed ERO 019-8238: Amendment to the Devil’s Glen Provincial Park Management Plan and offer the following comments for consideration.

Across southern and much of central Ontario, hunting opportunities are shrinking due to a mixture of habitat loss, property amalgamation, and changing attitudes towards hunting. This is especially true for publicly accessible locations, where hunters are often pushed out by other outdoor recreationists.

It is our understanding that the 18 hectares slated to be added to Devil’s Glen Provincial Park are currently owned by the Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI), and designated as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). The lands are currently considered general use and, as such, allow fishing and hunting.

MECP’s proposal to amend the park management plan, however, does not provide an exemption from the park’s pre-existing prohibition on hunting for these new lands. It can therefore be surmised that, in accordance with existing regulations for the park, hunting will no longer be permitted on the addition, should the proposal move forward. Despite this marked change, no information has been made available on current use, or lack thereof, of these lands by hunters, nor is there clear justification for this change.

Considering existing access issues in the Collingwood area, it is critical that public hunting opportunities be protected wherever there is not a clear, evidence-based reason for their removal. In the absence of this evidence, the OFAH strongly encourages MECP to amend the proposal to allow for hunting within the 18-hectare addition.

We would be happy to work alongside MECP to ensure that this amendment is applied with the best interests of all stakeholders and the local environment in mind. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this matter.