The province has asked that a trailer placed at the entrance of Pinery Provincial Park be moved.
Ministry of Natural Resources spokesperson Jolanta Kowalski provided the update to Blackburn News by email Wednesday afternoon.
"We have asked the individuals to remove the trailer while we continue our discussions," said Kowalski. "The trailer has been placed across the roadway inside the entrance of the park in an attempt to prevent access and take possession of Pinery Provincial Park. We continue to work with the individuals to better understand their assertions and interests."
The Grand Bend park has been closed since November 9, when the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry was informed that individuals had planned to occupy and block access to the park.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton asked that the governing Liberals and the OPP to "properly and fairly enforce the law" and reopen the park last week.
McNaughton said the same individual, identified as Maynard T. George, moved a trailer into the park in 2014 and tried to reclaim the land then as well -- saying it belonged to his great-grandfathers descendants.
Kowalski says the situation is complex and is being monitored on a day-to-day basis.
"There has not been a decision made on a date to reopen the park," Kowalski said. "Public safety is our first priority and this will guide our operation of the park."
