The Daily Press is the city of Timmins broadsheet newspaper.
TIMMINS – Unless you’ve been out in the bush for the past week, you are probably aware of the provincial government’s cost-saving plan to eliminate overnight camping at a series of provincial parks in Northeastern Ontario.
Regional provincial parks impacted by the decision include Ivanhoe Lake in Foleyet, Greenwater in Cochrane, Rene Brunelle in Kapuskasing, Fushimi Lake in Hearst, The Shoals in Chapleau and Tidewater in Moosonee.
On Wednesday night, the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) is having a special public forum to discuss the issue. The camping ban has struck a raw nerve with many Northerners, particularly those who enjoy seasonal camping at these facilities.
Leaders with FONOM, such as Kapuskasing Mayor Al Spacek (the organization’s president) and Timmins Mayor Tom Laughren (the vice-president), recognize the important role these campgrounds play, not only in facilitating the Northern lifestyle but in support of the region’s economy.
Seasonal campers have made major investments in big-ticket items such as RVs and camp trailers. They support retailers and restaurants in the nearby communities. The parks also provide valuable jobs to local youth in the summer.
These are well-known facts that most Northerners appreciate.
We anticipate a huge turnout at Centennial Hall in Timmins for the 7 p.m. meeting. But it is important members of the public realize this shouldn’t turn into a griping season. FONOM is looking for suggestions to implement a plan of action to get this short-sighted, money-saving decision overturned.
For the rest of this column, please go to the Timmins Daily Press website: http://www.timminspress.com/2012/10/05/northerners-must-unite-to-overturn-camping-ban