I would propose that there a…

I would propose that there a time limit of 12 months for the ministry to approve Strategic Plans for individual Conservation Areas. Currently, the NPCA has a plan for Cave Springs CA that has been 'lost in limbo' for approx. 2 years. At the present rate, by the time the plan is approved it will be outdated or, at least, time to start a new one.
In regards to Strategic Plans, I also note that the same NPCA has a Strategic Plan for it's premier park that has not been updated since 2001. Ball's Falls is a NEC 'nodal' Park. As such, it has certain duties and functions to fulfil for the NEC. Fulfilment of duties and having current Strategic Plans approved and registered should be mandatory. Plans should state both short term (5yrs.) and long term (10-15yrs.) goals. Analysis of the accomplishments towards meeting these goals should have to be submitted for scrutiny to the ministry. Again, appropriate 6-12months for acceptance and/or reply from the ministry. Some sort of special emphasis and attention must be paid to these NEC 'nodal parks' to make sure they can and do have the ability to fulfil their mandates.
Somehow this new/revised act for CAs and the 'NEC type' acts must be tied together. In many ways they are related.
Special regulations, funding and assistance must be available for CAs' with Historically and Culturally Significant Parks. Applications for funding assistance, on a percentage of cost (min.40%), to maintain and/or upgrade these features. Many CA's have homes, forts, mills, paths and first nations historically significant sites etc. These assets cannot be developed or can barely be maintained or are casually allowed to fall into disrepair for lack of funding. Again, appropriate time lines for ministry replies and approvals must be part of the legislation.
The government is trying to make a 'healthier Ontarian population' and CA's providing healthy recreation, some form of special incentive for the CAs who expand their hiking trails. Expanding this trail system, possibly making more trails 'wheel chair friendly', could go a long way to getting people out for some exercise. Since CAs are the second largest land owners in the province, it stands to reason that most people live fairly close to one CA or another.
If it doesn't already exist, a 'No Smoking' rule might be handy, even designated smoking areas within the parks.
Park and CA names may be redacted if necessary for publication.