The McGuinty government’s decision to close the Leslie Frost Centre, an outdoor education centre in the Haliburton Highlands, is short-sighted and must be reviewed, says the Ontario Public Services Employees Union (OPSEU).
The Ministry of Natural Resources notified the Frost Centre’s 31 employees and the public earlier this week that the Centre will close July 14.
24,000 hectares of pristine crown land, currently accessible to the public, could be sold off.
“The government has justified the closure by saying it needs to focus on public services that matter to the public,” said Leah Casselman, president of OPSEU. “The Frost Centre’s educational programs and the surrounding crown land are used by thousands of students and lovers of the outdoors.
“I think it’s pretty obvious that educating our young people about the environment and preserving our natural heritage matters to people.”
Casselman said the union shares the local community’s outrage over the closure. She said the government should review its decision.
“The government should investigate whether the Ministry of Natural Resources could partner with another ministry, such as Education and Training,” said Casselman. “In the meantime, the government should not attempt any quick sell-off of these valuable public assets.”
Eric Roth, a maintenance technician and a 14-year employee of the Frost Centre, says employees were devastated by news of the closure.
“We have a sense of pride and protection about the place,” said Roth, a steward with OPSEU Local 317. “The closure will be a big loss to the local economy and to future generations.”
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For further information:
Eric Roth, (705) 489-1999
Megan Park, (416) 443-8888 ext. 207
