The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) says camping is limited at its conservation areas because of the stay-at-home order issued by the province.
LTVCA said camping is limited at Big Bend, C.M. Wilson, and E.M. Warwick to keep staff, volunteers, and the community healthy, safe, and well.
The conservation authority noted that it's extending the camping season by two weeks at the end of October to allow campers to get a full season of enjoyment at LTVCA sites.
Under the provincial rules, LTVCA said seasonal campers will be required to either visit their site for no more than 24 hours for an essential purpose, or for a minimum of 14 consecutive days, taking up residence on a serviced seasonal campsite as per a seasonal contract. At the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area, washrooms and showers will be open for the seasonal campers only and not for other users. At the Big Bend Conservation Area, washrooms and showers will not be open. All other facilities will be closed.
CAO of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Mark Peacock said the LTVCA considers a seasonal campsite a second residence and that residence will be subject to the noted restrictions in order to be compliant with the stay-at-home order.
Peacock said transient, overnight and group camping is not permitted at Big Bend or C.M. Wilson Conservation Area campgrounds at this time and overnight camping reservations have been cancelled until June 2, which is expected to be the end of the current restrictions. He added campers with reservations at either C.M. Wilson or Big Bend Conservation Areas can reschedule to a later date with all of the payments carried forward, or they can request a full refund via Let’s Camp. Groups with reservations at E.M. Warwick Conservation Area can either reschedule to a later date, reschedule to the same date in 2022 with all of the payments carried forward, or they can request a full refund.
Peacock said the conservation authority continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario.
"The LTVCA will continue to monitor changes and provide updates as the province works to best protect us during this pandemic. We appreciate your patience and hope we all will soon be able to enjoy the full benefits of what nature provides," said Peacock. "We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and look forward to being able to allow camping once given the directive by the province."
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