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LATCHFORD – The McGuinty Liberals are continuing their policy of provincial park
abandonment with the privatization of W.J.B. Greenwood park, the Ontario Public
Service Employees Union says. “The transfer of Greenwood Provincial Park to
the town of Latchford is merely
the latest indication that this government is running away from its
responsibility to support our provincial park system,” OPSEU President Warren
(Smokey) Thomas said. “At a time when environmental issues are top-of-mind for
the people of Ontario, this betrayal of our natural heritage is nothing short of
outrageous.”
The Ontario budget contributes a mere $15.3 million a year to operate and
oversee 329 provincial parks, 292 conservation reserves, and 10 wilderness
areas, Thomas noted. Ontario raise 78 per cent of park operating budgets from
user fees and other charges, the highest rate by far of any province in Canada.
“The Liberal government sees our parks not as a sacred trust, but as a cash
cow,” said Eric Morin, president of OPSEU Local 635, which covers W.J.B.
Greenwood park. “According to reports by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the
province gets three dollars in taxes from park-related economic activity for
every dollar it puts in.
“The answer to the parks crisis is not to download operating costs to
municipalities, but rather to fund them to the level needed,” he said. “That’s
the only way we can patrol wilderness areas, keep campgrounds and day-use areas
safe, provide proper maintenance, teach children and adults about our natural
heritage, and give park users the most enriching nature experience possible.”
The union’s web site at
www.saveontarioparks.ca has more information about the parks funding crisis.
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