A number of us are probably getting antsy and are anxious to head out and enjoy everything northwestern Ontario has to offer.
However, the provincial government stresses camping is still not allowed and that includes overnight stays on Crown Land.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski says the ban was implemented to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“The concern was that this could to lead to a rush of people who are no longer able to go to campgrounds, that they could congregate on Crown Land. With all of the risks that would be inherited with congregation, people in crowds and social settings.”
Yakabuski says penalties for violating the COVID-19 Emergency Order can be severe.
“Anywhere from $750 to $10,000. So it is not something that should be taken likely. There’s a reason why these orders are put in place and we expect people to abide by them.”
Yakabuski says the province will be strongly enforcing the rules.
“Because it was done under the Solicitor General, under the Emergency Management Protection Act, all law officers can enforce it.”
Day use, including hiking and walking through, is permitted.
Yakabuski states “Even if you are on Crown Land and not camping, we want people to be safe. We want them to respect the protocols that have been laid out by the Chief Medical Officer’s of Health. Two metres distance between people other than if they cohabitate together.”
He says camping will be allowed when the province lifts its Emergency Order and it’s not yet known when that will happen.
Yakabuski notes there are some exceptions to the overnight ban on Crown Land.
They include:
-Indigenous persons and those that have a land use permit with a written authorization under the Public Lands Act to occupy pubic land.
-Indigenous persons that are exercising their Aboriginal or Treaty rights
-Outdoor accommodations that are ancillary to or necessary for the operation of an essential business
To hear more from Minister John Yakabuski, visit the Audio link below.
