This proposal assigns a high…

This proposal assigns a high priority to hunting and, to a lesser extent, motorized recreation - including in some southern Ontario locations where public safety issues will be a concern.

While these activities belong in Ontario, it's time for the Ministry to enter the 21st century and assign an equally high importance to other, more popular activities. In most cases, non-motorized activities have a much lower impact on protected areas and require less government oversight. Among Ontario taxpayers, there are many more hikers than hunters, for example. It no longer makes sense to assign special priority to hunting as a recreational activity in provincially protected areas, other than for indigenous hunters or culls due to overpopulation.

Hunting should join a long list of possible activities ranging from snowshoeing to mountain biking. In some areas planned for protection, certain activities are particularly special and the emphasis should be placed on a unique paddling route, ski trail network or snowmobile trail.

Hunting has an outsized impact compared to the number of participants. Many recreational activities are compatible with one another but during certain hunting seasons, other citizens can be shut out of their regular activities for safety reasons. The Ministry needs to acknowledge this and limit the impact of hunting on other taxpayers. Where hunting is permitted, there should be more informational signage and publicity aimed at non-hunters, who are often unaware of hunting regulations and locations.