Yes, please expand…

Yes, please expand protection in Ontario but don’t carve the heart out of Bigwind Lake Provincial Park!
I want to see more parks in Ontario, not overdevelopment in an existing protected area.

Bigwind Lake Provincial Park is currently a non-operating park that quietly safeguards the habitat of 14
species at risk, protected under the Endangered Species Act, while providing low-impact recreation
opportunities to hike, canoe and fish. Ontario’s own studies admit that there is a shortage of
information on species, so the number of species at risk could be even higher.

The proposal to turn Bigwind into an operating park would see 250 campsites, roofed accommodation,
paved roads, maintenance facilities, camp store and food services in the core of the park amidst a rich
natural environment and wildlife corridor. In total, the proposed development zone and access would
impact at least 362 ha or 18% of the park. This is more than the 314 ha proposed to be added. This level and location of disturbance can’t happen without striking a blow to the ecological integrity of Bigwind, including species at Risk.

Ontario is required by law to follow the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserve Act (PPCRA) that
mandates protected areas be managed with ecological integrity as the first priority and plans to
maintain and increase ecological integrity over time. Ontario’s Endangered Species Act requires the
protection of species at risk and their habitat. Ontario can’t obey these laws and go ahead and carve the heart out of Bigwind as currently proposed.

Instead, Ontario should be expanding its Park system. It currently has less than 11% protection, lagging
behind many other jurisdictions like Nova Scotia, Alberta, BC, Quebec, NWT, and the Yukon that range
from almost 14% to over 21%. Canada and other world conservation leaders are pledging to reach 30%
protection by 2030 (science actually says the world needs 50% protection). By creating more parks,
Ontario could meet both its nature stewardship responsibilities and provide the access to nature that
people crave, without damaging existing parks. Please do not go ahead with the current proposal to
convert Bigwind Lake Provincial Park to an operating Park. Instead, commit to increasing protection to
30%.