The national parks in Ontario are benefiting from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Bruce Grey Owen Sound MP Larry Miller was at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Tobermory yesterday to announce 1.65 million dollars in funding.
Bruce Peninsula National Park will receive 1 million for revitalization to the Cyprus Lake Campground.
Miller says the work will include new bathrooms and improvements to trails in the campground, including the trail that leads to the famous grotto.
Miller says the announcement is great news for Grey Bruce.
He says with tourism the second biggest industry in the region, it is very important to keep our parks up to date as top vacation spots.
Miller adds the money also means jobs of course – not only in construction but also for park staff who are being called back early to prepare for the projects.
The remaining 650-thousand dollars goes to Point Pelee National Park to replace a section of boardwalk in the UNESCO designated wetland.
Miller made the announcement on behalf of Environment Minister Jim Prentice.
In total, Canada’s Economic Action Plan sets aside 75 million dollars for improvements to visitor facilities in Canada’s national parks and historic sites over the next two years.
Miller also tells Bayshore Broadcasting News that Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park have been named Canada’s 8th Dark Sky Reserve.
The designation is handed out by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada in areas in which no artificial lighting is visible and active measures are in place to educate and promote the reduction of light pollution to the public and nearby municipalities.