The provincial park in Timmins is closed because of the ongoing police investigation, the province has confirmed.
Kettle Lakes Provincial Park has been closed to day users and campers since Friday, June 7. Today, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks confirmed that the temporary closure is due to the ongoing police investigation, which is a search for a man wanted in connection with a Matheson-area murder
"We plan to have the park reopened as soon as it is safe to do so," wrote Gary Wheeler in an email.
While the park's Facebook page has not shared the closure, there is an alert at ontarioparks.ca.
"Affected campsite reservation holders will be contacted and given a full refund or the opportunity to change their reservation with no penalty. For more information on reservation cancellation or changes where available, please contact our reservations team at 1-888-668-7275; do not cancel or change reservations online," he said.
For information on the investigation, he pointed TimminsToday to OPP.
Multiple interview requests and inquiries for information to OPP about the over two-week-long search have not been fulfilled. A response to a request yesterday (June 10) was acknowledged today but did not include answers to any questions.
RELATED: Here's what's known about the ongoing manhunt in the Timmins area
The investigation that closed the park is for 43-year-old Lucas MacDonald, who police believe has information about the murder of Marcel Thoma in Egan Township in the Matheson area. It's believed MacDonald may have a gun.
Police have not posted any updates today on social media, which they've been using to alert people when extra officers are expected in a certain area. So far, the focus of those posts have on Highway 101 from Retreat Road in Timmins east to Shillington, as well as the Municipal Road area.
MacDonald is described as 5' 8" and 150-160 pounds, with dark collar-length hair with some grey, and a thin short beard. He was last seen wearing a ballcap with a bandana underneath it and wrap-around sunglasses.
There are also two outstanding warrants out for his arrest for breach of recognizance in unrelated matters.
"Residents and visitors to the area are reminded to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police," said OPP in a news release issued on Friday (June 7).
If you see MacDonald, police warn people to use "extreme caution", don't approach him and call 911.
Anyone with information is asked to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
