Ontario Announces $13.5 Million for Provincial Park Protection and Maintenance

The Ontario government announced an investment of more than $13.5 million for the protection and maintenance of provincial parks and public spaces, according to a news release issued on June 7. The government states that the funding will support fire management initiatives, including the purchase of specialized equipment and training for wildfire response. Over $3 million of the total is allocated specifically to fire management.

The funding also provides continued support for litter reduction and for keeping parks accessible to visitors. According to the Ontario government, the investment is part of the 2023-24 provincial budget's allocations for environmental stewardship programs.

The government release reports that provincial parks received over 12 million visits in 2023 and represent nearly eight per cent of Ontario’s land. The funding is also intended to support Indigenous partnerships and create employment related to park management.

The announcement does not list specific parks or locations for the investments, stating that the initiatives are intended for parks and spaces across the province. Communities in Northern Ontario and the Northeast may see changes in provincial parks as these measures are implemented.