This notice is for informational purposes only. There is no requirement to consult on this initiative on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. Learn more about the types of notices on the registry.
Why consultation isn't required
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks consulted on these minor operational amendments as part of a proposal regarding regulatory and policy amendments for private recreation camps. Consultation included:
- Postings of a proposal notice on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO 019-3474: Regulatory and Policy Changes to Private, Non-Commercial Occupation and Use of Land in Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves) and the Regulatory Registry
- Direct email notices and engagement sessions with Indigenous communities and organizations.
- Indigenous communities were also given additional time to provide comments past the 45-day posting period, when requested.
- Direct email notices to stakeholders such as environmental non-governmental organizations, community and recreational associations.
No comments were received regarding the proposed operational amendments.
Bulletin details
On July 1, 2026, changes to two regulations under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, came into effect. Specifically, Ontario Regulation 347/07: Provincial Parks: General Provisions (O. Reg. 347/07) and O. Reg. 319/07: Conservation Reserves: General Provisions (O. Reg. 319/07) were amended to:
- Enforce more responsible campfire use by:
- Including new provisions in regulations to ensure that a person who starts or is in charge of a fire keeps the fire under control and extinguishes it before leaving the site. This mirrors provisions of an existing regulation under the Wildland Fire Management Act, which did not previously apply in all protected areas
- Allowing conservation reserve managers to issue fire hazard notices in any conservation reserve
- Help to ensure the safety of Ontario Parks’ drinking water systems, reduce wildlife attractants, and address visitor complaints about lineups at park infrastructure by:
- Prohibiting the washing of dishes or clothing at potable water stations, making it easier for staff to enforce a practice that is already encouraged through signage in parks
Together, these amendments improve visitor safety in Ontario’s protected areas.
In addition, regulatory amendments to O. Reg. 347/07 have been made to clarify rules regarding commercial day-use vehicle permits and other modern electronic permits, supporting a more efficient and streamlined experience for park visitors.
Commercial day-use vehicle permits were introduced by Ontario Parks in 2020 as part of COVID response measures, which were offered to tourism businesses and libraries to support client access to provincial parks for day use. In 2021, Ontario Parks introduced a new online service, allowing advanced reservations for vehicle permits.
The regulation amendments:
- Clarify that commercial day-use vehicle permits may be assigned from tourism businesses and libraries to their guests, and that visitors using these permits are not allowed to stay in the park beyond closing hours
- Clarify that vehicle permits need not be displayed if the permit specifies otherwise (for example, permits purchased electronically)
Regulatory Impact Analysis
Potential impacts on regulated entities by changes related to commercial day-use vehicle permits were deemed non-substantive. As such, this operational change was eligible for a regulatory impact analysis exemption.
Supporting materials
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4th Flr, 300 Water St
Peterborough,
ON
K9J 3C7
Canada
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