Due to the current Stay-at-Home Order issued by the Ontario Government on April 8th and now extended to June 2nd 2021, camping will be limited at Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s (LTVCA) conservation areas – Big Bend, C.M. Wilson and E.M. Warwick. The health, safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers and the community remains our highest priority. LTVCA is extending the camping season by two weeks at the end of October allowing campers a full season of enjoyment in our areas.
Seasonal campers will be required to either visit their site for no more than 24 hours for an essential purpose, or for a minimum of 14 consecutive days, taking up residence on a serviced seasonal campsite as per a seasonal contract. At the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area, washrooms and showers will be open for the seasonal campers only and not for other users. At the Big Bend Conservation Area, washrooms and showers will not be open. All other facilities will be closed.
In the original Stay-at-Home order, the Province provided the following clarification:
Can people visit their cottages and second homes?
Sort of. Ontarians can visit second residences for periods of less than 24 hours or a minimum of 14 days. For the purposes of being in compliance with the provincial Stay-at-home order, the LTVCA considers a seasonal campsite as a second residence and therefore that residence will be subject to the noted restrictions.
Transient/overnight and group camping is not permitted at Big Bend or C.M. Wilson Conservation Area campgrounds at this time. Ahead of the long weekend and in light of the extended Stay-at-Home Orders, LTVCA is cancelling overnight camping reservations from May 21-Jun 2. Campers with reservations at either C.M. Wilson or Big Bend Conservation Areas can reschedule to a later date with all payments carried forward, or request a full refund via Let’s Camp. For those with reservations at E.M. Warwick Conservation Area, groups can either reschedule to a later date, reschedule to the same date in 2022 with all payments carried forward, or request a full refund.
The LTVCA will continue to monitor changes and provide updates as the province works to best protect us during this pandemic. We appreciate your patience and hope we all will soon be able to enjoy the full benefits of what nature provides. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and look forward to being able to allow camping once given the directive by the province. LTVCA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario. Updates and information on impacts to LTVCA programs and services can be viewed on each conservation area page on our website at www.ltvca.ca.
For further information contact
Mark Peacock – CAO Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
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