More services are opening up at provincial parks in regions entering the second phase of reopening.
All of the Northern Ontario health units were included on the province's list of areas allowed to open more businesses starting Friday, June 12.
While some Ontario Parks facilities are gradually opening up, showers, laundry, group camping, picnic shelter rentals and swimming pools will be closed for the 2020 season.
The timeline for activities and services is:
• June 12 - beaches will being opening to the public as maintenance and water testing are completed
• June 15 - Seasonal campers will have access to their campsites at the majority of participating parks.
• June 22 - Campgrounds in regions entering stage two will gradually open, along with washrooms, water taps and trailer sanitation stations.
• In the next several weeks roofed accommodations such as yurts, cabins and lodges, park store, rentals, visitor centres and sports fields will be phased in.
"Due to the tremendous progress we have made to contain the spread of COVID-19, more services and activities will soon be available at our provincial parks," said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, in a news release. "While this is encouraging, it is not business as usual. I encourage everyone to be responsible and continue to follow public health advice, including physical distancing, when enjoying our outdoor amenities."
New measures are being put in place to address overcrowding and promote physical distancings.
According to the announcement, day-use and camping at select provincial parks could be limited.
For people who had campground reservations before the sites are reopened, the bookings will be automatically cancelled and full refunds issued.
Backcountry camping and expanded day use was reintroduced at Ontario Parks June 1.
More information on the facilities and services offered at specific parks is available at OntarioParks.com.
