Campers hopeful they can continue to enjoy their favourite campgrounds

Late last week, Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, met with representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), and those speaking on behalf of area campers to discuss the closure of four campgrounds in the region.

Located on Crown land and operated under Land Use Permits (LUP), campgrounds at Ranger Lake, Lawrence Lake, Garden Lake, and Tunnel Lake are slotted for closure by the MNRF after an MOECC inspection identified a number of non-compliance issues.

Tenants were given until May 31 to remove all belongings including trailers and structures.

“Given the issues identified as a result of the MOECC inspection and associated requirements, as well as the accumulation of non-compliance issues over the years, and the availability of alternative campgrounds, it was decided that the best approach for these campgrounds was to close them and restore the areas to a natural environment,” MNRF Resource Management Supervisor Bill May told SooToday by email.

LUP terms and conditions violations include the construction of attached decks, sunrooms and outhouses.

The most concerning issue discovered by the MOECC inspection, however, was the improper handling of raw sewage and waste, May said.

Following last week’s meeting, Kim Dinsmore, representing the Tunnel Lake Campground, said: “I’m hopeful that we can come to a resolution. We’re very committed to being compliant. There has been a breakdown in communication between the MNR, the LUP and the campers in the past, and we’re hoping to rectify that and address any issues that were not addressed in the past.”

Dinsmore has been a regular summer camper at Tunnel Lake for 13 years. Some tenants of that campground have been spending summers there for more than 40 years, she said.

Mantha said he understands the solution to this camping issue won’t be easy, but those impacted by the campground closures are willing to take on the task.

“I’m leaving here a little bit more optimistic in regards to some of the news and messages we received from MOE who are going to be an active partner through this whole process,” he said. “We want to engage a little more with MNR, bring them in as an active partner, recognizing that their decision that they have made is not an easy one. We’re going to be coming in with solutions and options so that we can benefit and continue to thrive, respecting the environment and making sure the resources are properly utilized by the campers for generations to come.”

He cited a breakdown in communication – from the MNRF to the LUPs, and the LUPs to the campers – as one of the biggest challenges that must be addressed in order for these campgrounds to reopen.

“There have been some historical compliance issues and everybody thought they were doing the right thing,” Mantha said. “There is an onus of responsibility by all levels here to recognize that maybe we weren’t doing it right, and we’re ready to . . . roll up our sleeves and get the work done in order to address the issues, to come under compliance. We need a partner to work with us.”