The document discusses how Ontario Provincial Parks promote ecological integrity and recreation/eco-tourism through protecting natural habitats, supporting scientific research and education, allowing compatible recreational activities, and attracting over 10 million visitors annually, 77% of which visit for day use activities while 23% camp overnight. It uses Algonquin Provincial Park, established in 1893, as a case study example of balancing these goals.

1. Natasha C Dunn
// Ontario Provincial Parks GG256: Ontario Regions
November 27, 2009

2. // images of Ontario Provincial Parks
what comes to mind?

3. // wildlife
wolf - snake - white tailed deer
moose
beaver - black bear - loon

4. // wildlife
wolf - snake - white tailed deer
moose
beaver - black bear - loon

5. // foliage - trees, shrubs, moss - roots and rocks - fall colours

6. // foliage - trees, shrubs, moss - roots and rocks - fall colours

7. // recreation ($) - nalgene bottles - canoeing - snow shoe - waterfront

8. // recreation ($) - nalgene bottles - canoeing - snow shoe - waterfront

9. // camping ($) - cooking - trails - tent camping

10. // camping ($) - cooking - trails - tent camping

12. // why Ontario Provincial Parks and Conservation?

13. // why Ontario Provincial Parks and Conservation?

14. // protected areas
• covers land and water
• has boundaries
• permanently protects natural
heritage (landforms, plants,
animals)

15. // protected areas // provincial parks
• covers land and water • protect natural, cultural, &
recreational environments
• has boundaries
• provide recreational activities to
visitors
• permanently protects natural
heritage (landforms, plants,
animals)

16. // protected areas // provincial parks
• covers land and water • protect natural, cultural, &
recreational environments
• has boundaries
• provide recreational activities to
visitors
• permanently protects natural
heritage (landforms, plants,
animals) • Protection
• Recreation
• Heritage Appreciation
• Tourism

17. // focus
How do Ontario Provincial Parks promote ecological integrity and provide
recreation & eco-tourism?
(is this system sustainable?)

18. Ecological Integrity
“when biological and physical parts
of an ecosystem, as well as the
makeup and abundance of native
species and biological communities,
reflect their natural regions. As
// focus
well, ecological processes can take
place without interference.”
How do Ontario Provincial Parks promote ecological integrity and provide
recreation & eco-tourism?
(is this system sustainable?)

19. Ecological Integrity
“when biological and physical parts
of an ecosystem, as well as the
makeup and abundance of native
species and biological communities,
reflect their natural regions. As
// focus
well, ecological processes can take
place without interference.”
How do Ontario Provincial Parks promote ecological integrity and provide
Recreation
recreation & eco-tourism? allow people to enjoy parks as
special places; enhance well-being;
(is this system sustainable?) enjoy nature & outdoor activities;
scenery; heritage appreciation;
tourism ($)

20. // timeline
• 1893 - Algonquin Park • 1983 - 155 parks added
• 1894 - Rondeau • 1994 - Public Lands Act
(conservation reserves)
• 1913 - Provincial Parks Act <land
not suitable for agriculture/ • 1999 - 378 new protected areas
settlement> > 2.4 million hectares
• 1954 - Revised Provincial Parks Act • 2007 - Provincial Parks and
<Lands & Forests> Conservation Reserves Act
• 1959 - Wilderness Areas Act
• 1960 - 72 Parks in system

21. // timeline
• 1893 - Algonquin Park • 1983 - 155 parks added
• 1894 - Rondeau • 1994 - Public Lands Act
(conservation reserves)
• 1913 - Provincial Parks Act <land
not suitable for agriculture/ • 1999 - 378 new protected areas
settlement> > 2.4 million hectares
• 1954 - Revised Provincial Parks Act • 2007 - Provincial Parks and
<Lands & Forests> Conservation Reserves Act
• 1959 - Wilderness Areas Act
• 1960 - 72 Parks in system

22. // timeline
• 1893 - Algonquin Park • 1983 - 155 parks added
• 1894 - Rondeau • 1994 - Public Lands Act
(conservation reserves)
• 1913 - Provincial Parks Act <land
not suitable for agriculture/ • 1999 - 378 new protected areas
settlement> > 2.4 million hectares
• 1954 - Revised Provincial Parks Act • 2007 - Provincial Parks and
<Lands & Forests> Conservation Reserves Act
• TODAY (2008 stats)
• 1959 - Wilderness Areas Act - 330 Provincial Parks
- 292 Conservation Reserves
• 1960 - 72 Parks in system - 10 Wilderness Areas
- 8.7 million hectares
(9% of Ontario’s total land + water)

23. Ontario Ecoregions
• 14 regions
• particular combo of:
• climate
• landform
• soil
• species

24. WOODLAND
CARIBOU
Ontario James Bay
Regions Page #
Northwestern . . . . . . . . 48
MANITOBA
PAKWASH
TIDEWATER
Northeastern. . . . . . . . . 56
POLAR BEAR
MOOSONEE
Manitoba
Near North . . . . . . . . . . 62
OPASQUIA
WABAKIMI WINISK RIVER
KESAGAMI
OJIBWAY
Algonquin/Central . . . . . 70
WOODLAND CARIBOU TIDEWATER
KENORA BLUE LAKE
WABAKIMI
RUSHING
RIVER Southeastern. KESAGAMI. . . . . . 76
..
SIOUX NARROWS AARON
QUEBEC
SANDBAR LAKE
Lake Nipigon MACLEOD
FUSHIMI LAKE
Northeastern Southwestern . . . . . . . . 82
NAGAGAMISIS
CALIPER LAKE RENÉ BRUNELLE
Northwestern GREENWATER
FORT RAINBOW FALLS KAPUSKASING
FRANCES
OUIMET CANYON ROSSPORT TERRACE BAY COCHRANE U.S.A
NEYS MISSINAIBI KETTLE LAKES
THUNDER BAY WHITE LAKE CHAPLEAU - NEMEGOSENDA
QUETICO KAKABEKA FALLS RIVER
TIMMINS
OBATANGA ESKER LAKES
SLEEPING GIANT
PIGEON RIVER (SIBLEY) IVANHOE LAKE
POTHOLES
Minnesota WAWA
Lake Superior THE SHOALS WAKAMI LAKE
KAP-KIG-IWAN
MANITOBA POLAR BEAR
MAKOBE-GRAYS
LADY EVELYN - SMOOTHWATER
LAKE SOLACE
OPASQUIA SUPERIOR
BISCOTASI LAKE SPANISH RIVER OBABIKA
WINISK RIVER MISSISSAGI
FINLAYSON POINT
PANCAKE BAY
BATCHAWANA RIVER HALFWAY LAKE
STURGEON RIVER Quebec
MARTEN RIVER
WOODLAND CARIBOU TIDEWATER WINDY LAKE
WABAKIMI MISSISSAGI
SUDBURY
FAIRBANK
SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN
Near North
KESAGAMI MATTAWA RIVER
DRIFTWOOD
SAULT
STE. MARIE CHUTES
QUEBEC FRENCH RIVER
RESTOULE
ALGONQUIN
KILLARNEY GRUNDY LAKE VOYAGEUR
MIKISEW BONNECHERE
OTTAWA
STURGEON BAY CARSON LAKE FITZROY
ARROWHEAD
LAKE ST. PETER
Southeastern
Lake KILLBEAR OASTLER LAKE LOWER MADAWASKA RIVER
RIDEAU RIVER
U.S.A
Algonquin/
BON ECHO
THE MASSASAUGA SILVER LAKE
SILENT LAKE
SIX MILE LAKE SHARBOT LAKE MURPHYS POINT
Huron C e n t r a l PETROGLYPHS FRONTENAC CHARLESTON LAKE
Michigan SAUBLE FALLS
AWENDA BASS
LAKE
MARA BALSAM LAKE
MARK S. BURNHAM
MACGREGOR POINT CRAIGLEITH McRAE POINT FERRIS
EMILY
INVERHURON WASAGA BEACH SIBBALD POINT
PRESQU'ILE LAKE ON THE MOUNTAIN
SPRINGWATER
Parks of the
Call the following numbers for additional travel information.
EARL ROWE
NORTH SANDBANKS
DARLINGTON BEACH
POINT FARMS TORONTO St. Lawrence
Ontario Tourism Lake Southwestern Lake Ontario see page 90
BRONTE CREEK
English: 1-800-ONTARIO PINERY
IPPERWASH HAMILTON New York
French: 1-800-268-3736 Michigan LONDON SELKIRK
ROCK
POINT
PORT
BRUCE
TURKEY POINT
JOHN E. PEARCE
Ministry of Natural Resources
PORT
BURWELL LONG
POINT
RONDEAU
English: 1-800-667-1940 WINDSOR Pennsylvania
WHEATLEY
French: 1-800-667-1840
Lake Erie
TTY for Hearing Impaired:
1-866-686-6072 Ohio
Ontario Provincial Park Regions
46 47

25. // operating parks
Algonquin Provincial Park
1893
2nd Largest Ontario Park
7.72 square km
OntarioParks.com locator
(http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/ont_map.html)

26. // non-operating parks
Polar Bear Provincial Park
1970
Largest Ontario Park
24,000 square km
OntarioParks.com locator
(http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/ont_map.html)

27. // relevance to the
geography of Ontario
• maintain ecosystems
• protects habitats for wildlife &
species at risk
• supports tourism (ecotourism)
• scientific and educational value
• enhance health and well-being
of patrons (enjoyment of nature
& outdoor recreation)

28. // focus & key points
How do Ontario Provincial Parks promote ecological integrity and provide
recreation & eco-tourism? (is this system sustainable?)
Case
Ecological Recreation & Study
Integrity Tourism Algonquin

29. // focus & key points
How do Ontario Provincial Parks promote ecological integrity and provide
recreation & eco-tourism? (is this system sustainable?)
Case
Ecological Recreation & Study
Integrity Tourism Algonquin

30. // ecological integrity
keeping nature in touch with it’s roots

31. // ecological integrity & Ontario Provincial Parks
• protection and maintenance
• outdoor education, awareness, research
• compatible and low-impact recreational activities
• promote environmental stewardship
• include legislation that recognizes these elements
• add additional classifications to existing legislations

32. // recreation & eco-tourism
“Ontario Parks...connecting naturally”

33. // recreation & eco-tourism
“Ontario Parks...connecting naturally”
“Recharge your body”
“Go Green”
“Refresh your Soul”
“Relax your mind”
“connect with nature, family, & friends”
“Take the road less travelled”

34. // outdoor recreational activities

35. // outdoor recreational activities

36. // outdoor recreational activities

37. // outdoor recreational activities

38. Ontario Provincial Parks Visitation 2008 Ontario Provincial Parks Visitation/
Visite des parcs provinciaux de l'Ontario
2008
11,000,000
10,000,000 10,000,000 visitors
9,000,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
Millions/Millions
6,000,000
5,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
Total Visitors/Total des Day-Use Camper Nights/Nuits Interior Camper
visiteurs Visitors/Visiteurs d'une de camping Nights/Nbre de
journee camping sauvage
6

39. Ontario Provincial Parks Visitation 2008 Ontario Provincial Parks Visitation/
Visite des parcs provinciaux de l'Ontario
2008
11,000,000
10,000,000 10,000,000 visitors
9,000,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
Millions/Millions
6,000,000
5,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
Total Visitors/Total des Day-Use Camper Nights/Nuits Interior Camper
visiteurs Visitors/Visiteurs d'une de camping Nights/Nbre de
journee camping sauvage
6

40. Ontario Provincial Parks Visitation 2008 Ontario Provincial Parks Visitation/
Visite des parcs provinciaux de l'Ontario
2008
11,000,000 23%
10,000,000 10,000,000 visitors
9,000,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
77%
Millions/Millions
6,000,000
5,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
Total Visitors/Total des Day-Use Camper Nights/Nuits Interior Camper
visiteurs Visitors/Visiteurs d'une de camping Nights/Nbre de
journee camping sauvage
6

41. P
campsites accessible only by canoe. Fees for camping vary according to the facilities and services provided. A
Ontario Parks has three levels of fees for camping – premium, middle and low. Each fee level reflects B
the popularity of a campsite and the availability of facilities such as flush toilets and showers, and personal B
services such as educational programs. Page 42 outlines your Internet and phone reservation payment options. P
// fees & spending
When registering in person at the park you may use your debit card, cash, VISA, MasterCard or American
Express credit cards to pay for your camping fees. GST is included. Sorry, but personal cheques are not
S
Rus
accepted for in-person payments. A
Fees for camping and operating dates for individual provincial parks are subject to change. B
B
Regular Ontario Seniors Ont. Persons with Disabilities Cot
A - Premium (per night) A Fees A Fees B
40.00 Electrical with showers 32.00 Electrical with showers 20.00 Electrical with showers S
38.50 Elec. without showers 30.75 Elec. without showers 19.25 Elec. without showers S
35.00 With showers 28.00 With showers 17.50 With showers A
33.50 Without showers 26.75 Without showers 16.75 Without showers S
B - Middle (per night) B Fees B Fees S
36.75 Electrical with showers 29.25 Electrical with showers 18.25 Electrical with showers Lod
35.25 Elec. without showers 28.00 Elec. without showers 17.50 Elec. without showers S
31.75 With showers 25.25 With showers 15.75 With showers N
30.25 Without showers 24.00 Without showers 15.00 Without showers *
C - Low (per night) C Fees C Fees
32.25 Electrical with showers 25.75 Electrical with showers 16.00 Electrical with showers Bac
30.75 Elec. without showers 24.50 Elec. without showers 15.25 Elec. without showers
27.25 With showers 21.75 With showers 13.50 With showers Algo
25.75 Without showers 20.50 Without showers 12.75 Without showers (Res
Ontario Parks discounts camping fees for Ontario residents 65 and older and for Ontario residents with a P
disability who have a CNIB identity card or an MTO disabled persons parking permit. Ontario Senior rates have been P
discounted by 20 per cent, rates for Ontario persons with disabilities by 50 per cent. For eligibility refer to page 36. A
* N
Que
Reservation Fee 12.00
P
Cancellation Fee 9.00 minimum (Please refer to page 42, Reservations)
P
Change Fee 9.00 minimum (Please refer to page 42, Reservations) Que
Can

42. P
campsites accessible only by canoe. Fees for camping vary according to the facilities and services provided. A
Ontario Parks has three levels of fees for camping – premium, middle and low. Each fee level reflects B
the popularity of a campsite and the availability of facilities such as flush toilets and showers, and personal B
services such as educational programs. Page 42 outlines your Internet and phone reservation payment options. P
// fees & spending
When registering in person at the park you may use your debit card, cash, VISA, MasterCard or American
Express credit cards to pay for your camping fees. GST is included. Sorry, but personal cheques are not
S
Rus
accepted for in-person payments. A
Fees for camping and operating dates for individual provincial parks are subject to change. B
B
Regular Ontario Seniors Ont. Persons with Disabilities Cot
A - Premium (per night) A Fees A Fees B
40.00 Electrical with showers 32.00 Electrical with showers 20.00 Electrical with showers S
38.50 Elec. without showers 30.75 Elec. without showers 19.25 Elec. without showers S
35.00 With showers 28.00 With showers 17.50 With showers A
33.50 Without showers 26.75 Without showers 16.75 Without showers S
B - Middle (per night) B Fees B Fees S
36.75 Electrical with showers 29.25 Electrical with showers 18.25 Electrical with showers Lod
35.25 Elec. without showers 28.00 Elec. without showers 17.50 Elec. without showers S
31.75 With showers
30.25 Without showers
~ $40.00 25.25 With showers
24.00 Without showers
~ $10.00
15.75 With showers
15.00 Without showers
N
*
C - Low (per night) C Fees C Fees
32.25 Electrical with showers 25.75 Electrical with showers 16.00 Electrical with showers Bac
30.75 Elec. without showers 24.50 Elec. without showers 15.25 Elec. without showers
27.25 With showers 21.75 With showers 13.50 With showers Algo
25.75 Without showers 20.50 Without showers 12.75 Without showers (Res
Ontario Parks discounts camping fees for Ontario residents 65 and older and for Ontario residents with a P
disability who have a CNIB identity card or an MTO disabled persons parking permit. Ontario Senior rates have been P
discounted by 20 per cent, rates for Ontario persons with disabilities by 50 per cent. For eligibility refer to page 36. A
* N
Que
Reservation Fee 12.00
P
Cancellation Fee 9.00 minimum (Please refer to page 42, Reservations)
P
Change Fee 9.00 minimum (Please refer to page 42, Reservations) Que
Can

43. // connecting naturally
• NEAT (nature, eco, adventure • sense of place
tourism)
• therapeutic landscapes/possibilities
• connect with nature, family, &
friends
• escape pressures
• “The Original High Definition”
• refresh your soul
• Ontario Provincial Park Events
• recharge your body
• camping/campfires
• relax your mind
• fishing

44. Refresh your soul Recharge your body Relax your mind
Ontario Parks are special places, allowing you to rekindle your sense of wonder
and solitude. Hundreds of lakes and rivers, thousands of kilometres of hiking
trails, pristine sandy beaches – the therapeutic possibilities are endless.
Restore balance in your life. Watch quietly as a moose grazes in the early
morning mist, toast a marshmallow, learn the canoeing J-stroke, marvel at
the stories told in Aboriginal rock art, or just relax on the beach.
Ontario Parks – the natural therapy.
Killarney
4 5

45. this!” – Mike and Marilyn Hamel
“Connecting with nature … is an exercise in sensory awareness … the sun’s
rays glistening on the water, … the sand between your toes, … smelling the
crispness of the morning air, … hearing the songbirds in the trees and the wind
in the leaves.” – Ann Simard
Mississagi River
“The serenity of nature beckons us so that we can rejuvenate, realign and reconnect
with ourselves … the sounds, sights and smells of nature's grandeur overshadow and
silence the congestion of our daily lives.”– Sandi Lowe
7
“reawaken your sense”

46. thank you
//
questions