GRCA conservation areas and properties to remain closed, camping season delayed until further notice

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, follow governmental direction and actively take steps to help prevent the spread of infection. With the extension of the province’s Declaration of Emergency until May 12, it is certain that GRCA conservation areas and properties will remain closed, until further notice.

On March 24, the province ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. On April 3, the province released an amended list of essential workplaces and ordered all businesses not covered by the amended emergency order to close. Recreational amenities and campgrounds were not listed as essential businesses and, as such, were required to be closed. The GRCA complied with these orders.

“With the May 1 originally planned opening date of many Grand River Parks approaching, we recognize that day-use visitors and campers are eager for information about the impact of COVID-19 on the 2020 season,” says Lisa Stocco, Manager of Communications. “We have been reviewing our operations, and we can confirm there will be a substantial delay in opening our conservation areas. Unfortunately, we cannot predict an opening date at this time.”

It takes at least four weeks to prepare the conservation areas to open, in particular, for camping. This work has yet to occur due to the pandemic and the fact that GRCA operations have been reduced to comply with government directives regarding essential services and social distancing.

The GRCA has suspended taking new overnight reservations for camping in 2020 or until such time as the program can be re-instated, and arrangements are being made to provide refunds to those who had already made reservations. The GRCA has also developed an approach to extend current membership passes for the full duration of the closure.

In addition to Grand River Parks, passive-use conservation areas and trails remain closed until further notice. Members of the public are not permitted on any GRCA owned and managed properties during this period of time. Those who choose to ignore the closures are, in fact, trespassing and charges may be laid.

For more information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on GRCA operations, please visit www.grandriver.ca/COVID19-FAQ.

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Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager of Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca

Cam Linwood, GRCA Communications Coordinator
Phone 519-621-2763 x2251  |  Email clinwood@grandriver.ca