NORTH BAY - Campers who have called McConnell Lake campground a summer home for decades are getting a lot of attention, including messages to the impacted campers by Premier Doug Ford himself.
The popular local camping spot is about an hour's drive north of North Bay off Highway 63.
Back in August, a group of campers who have called the McConnell Lake camping area near Diver, home for decades, received word that work by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks was going to force them to pull their campers, decks, and sheds out of the park for a year or maybe more.
"To allow the ministries time to complete the required septic compliance measures, rectify environmental concerns, and get all campground septic infrastructure into compliance, it is anticipated the overnight camping will be closed for the 2025 operating season, leaving the McConnell Lake Campgrounds area only available for day use," the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry sent to campers recently.
Two of the three sites in question are on Crown land while the "Blue" site is in a provincial conservation area.
The campers say they pay a nominal storage fee.
That message caused some panic among many campers who have been making calls to multiple government ministries, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, and Premier Doug Ford.
One camper shared the message she received from the Premier.
"Dianne, thank you for the message. No one is going anywhere. You will be able to camp there for a long time as long as I am Premier I will always protect the people. Have a great weekend! Take care, Doug," the text stated that it was shared by McConnell Lake Campground's social media.
Steve Chenier, whose family has been maintaining the land at McConnell Lake Campground for decades as well, has been working hard for the campers and also went high up the political ladder to get answers after many campers felt they may have to leave for good in late October.
"I just spoke with Premier Ford’s chief of staff," noted Chenier via social media.
"Still positive vibe but they’re setting up a meeting with me and the head of the cabinet to discuss a path forward."
See related: Campers shocked to get evicted for a season or more
Meantime, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry responded to BayToday late Tuesday afternoon to clarify why the email was sent to the campers.
"As part of a routine inspection completed by an environmental compliance officer in 2023, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks required that a qualified professional assess the sewage works at the McConnell Lake campground and include recommendations for addressing any issues found," stated Sarah Fig, a communications spokesperson for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The MNRF along with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, Parks (MECP), also confirmed they are working with the campers to resolve the situation.
"We recognize the importance of McConnell Lake Campgrounds to recreational users and MECP and MNR are working together to explore options for the site," added Fig in an email to BayToday.
"At this time, no tenants have been asked to move out of the campground. The ministries remain committed to working with parties to try and find an approach that addresses environment concerns and supports local needs."
