Algonquin Adventures / Park Fees...future

**Posted by ChristineCanoes** 11/14/2021 2:28 pm

I won’t break the rules. I may canoe elsewhere more often though which I don’t think the parks care about. I don’t think they really want the business of soloists 🤷🏻‍♀️

**Posted by Peek** 11/14/2021 3:41 pm

ChristineCanoes wrote:
I also think anyone who doesn’t realize they are going to increase the policing of permits is mistaken. They appear to have already started this in Temagami.

And everyone saying they fine is only x dollars. I’m not so sure. Is it only x dollars or is each night breaking the rule a separate fine (like it is for bottles)?

I also don’t think we want to stop supporting the parks. If we want backcountry camping to exist we need to support it. I think we also need to fight for fair access 🤷🏻‍♀️

I encourage people to write those letters.

I mean, even if they triple policing, your odds are still very good. In my 113 trips to Algonquin I've been permit checked twice. Heck even if the efforts were quadrupoled that means, on average, 7 permit checks per 100 trips.

I'm all about supporting the park for obvious reasons, but when push comes to shove - well, I've said enough already. I've got my plan, as I'm sure other do too.

I will heed your advice and get a letter out, as the most desirable outcome is a balance between the current structure and the proposed structure. I don't wanna go the illegitimate route, but by the same token, I'm not paying $180 for a 4 night trip. That just absolutely isn't happening in any reality.

**Posted by ChristineCanoes** 11/14/2021 4:31 pm

Yes; this government is highly influenced by public opinion. So yes, writing our MPPs, the MPP with the portfolio and the Premier is important. Being clear that it will impact your vote.

At this time, they seem to be planning on going ahead with this so writing now (even if we wrote a few months ago) asking that this not be done in Algonquin and that the pilots be reversed is IMHO critical.

And FWIW, in Temagami they have cleaning crews checking permits. I’ve never had my permit checked in Algonquin but I have met plenty of cleaning crews so it may become pretty normal to have your permit checked on most trips if this goes through.

We need to advocate for continued equity in accessing the parks. Flat fee backcountry camping makes no sense and if we believe that, we need to keep advocating.

My thoughts for what they are worth.

**Posted by ChristineCanoes** 11/14/2021 7:01 pm

I don’t but I do think letter writing has a bigger influence on this government than petitions. So sign the petition and keep writing letters 😊

**Posted by ChristineCanoes** 11/14/2021 7:15 pm

It looks like over 10,000 people. I’m reposting the links that were in the other thread:

Make your voice heard:

Petition: Petition · Back Country Camping Fee Increases in Ontario · Change.org

Greg Wake, operations and development office, Ontario Parks. 705 927- 2861 greg.wake@ontario.ca

The Minister in Charge. Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. 416-314-6790 jeff.yurek@pc.ola.org

Also email the Premier’s Office and your MPP.

**Posted by MartinG** 11/15/2021 1:13 pm

Jeff Yurek is gone. http://www.infogo.gov.on.ca/infogo/home.html#orgProfile/708/en

Maybe I'm jaded but contacting the minister and premier is going to do nothing. Ford has clearly outlined his position on parks and the environment. Natural resources are a resource to be exploited for financial gain and to create jobs. Nothing more.

**Posted by ChristineCanoes** 11/15/2021 4:30 pm

Without delving into politics, I would say that our Government is influenced by public opinion. So I stand by the idea that writing the 3 levels (Premier, Minister in charge and your MPP) is the most impactful thing we can do.

I encourage everyone to write if this is an issue that matters to them.

**Posted by BB** 11/23/2021 10:22 am

Here is the info for the New Minister. Hon. David Piccini | Minister | 416-314-6790 | %20minister.mecp@ontario.ca