Update on storm cleanup at provincial parks

The following update on this week's storm cleanup was issued this afternoon by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

The photograph accompanying this article shows the destruction wrought on the Callander Bay lighthouse.

For more storm photos, please go to our North Bay sister site, BayToday.ca.

************************* Cleanup continues at provincial parks

Most parks open; some lack services

TORONTO — The cleanup continues at Ontario's provincial parks after severe weather earlier this week, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.

"We are confident that all injured campers have been located and are being cared for," said Ramsay. "We are also continuing to assess the damage and to ensure that electrical and telephone services are repaired as soon as possible."

Parks staff are working to restore services at provincial parks in parts of the province hardest hit by the storms.

Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park will be closed to the public until at least Friday, July 21.

Ontario Parks has contacted all campers who have reservations during this period to make alternate arrangements.

Killarney, Restoule and Bonnechere provincial parks and parts of Algonquin Provincial Park are open to visitors, but currently have no electricity or telephone service.

The lack of electricity will affect some facilities such as showers.

Electrical and telephone services are available at Finlayson Point, Driftwood, Grundy Lake, Mikisew, White Lake, Point Farms, Sibbald Point, Six Mile Lake and Emily provincial parks. Staff are continuing to clear downed trees and other debris.

Precautions are being taken to ensure the clean-up is carried out safely.

For more information on services and facilities affected by the storm, visit www.ontarioparks.com and click on "Information about storm damage at Ontario Parks" or call the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940 (English and French), TTY 1-866-686-6072.

************************