Some of Canada’s national parks are set to partially reopen come June 1st.
The announcement came today via Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, but he stressed that no parks would reopen this weekend.
Since the deadly virus that causes COVID-19 sent the country into lockdown in mid-March, all national parks and historic sites have been closed, with visitor services and all motor vehicle access suspended.
Trudeau says the gradual reopenings are to be accompanied by measures designed to ensure the safety of visitors and workers.
The plan involves some 38 parks and 171 historic sites, including lighthouses, forts, canals and monuments, that are administered by Parks Canada.
For more details, please click here.
Camping in parks will remain off limits at least until June 21, when the federal government will reassess whether it should be allowed.
The June 1st boating restrictions he mentioned include no pleasure craft in arctic coastal waters or in northern Quebec or Labrador.
Today, the Prime Minister also announced a benefit for fish harvesters which will work via loans and making changes to EI.
The total investment to help them is $470 million.
PM Trudeau announces ~$470M in aid for fisheries industry:
—Fish Harvesters Benefit: 75% of losses covered, up to ~$10K, for those expecting 25% drop in income
—non-repayable grants up to $10K for fish harvesters who own their own business
—changes to EI rules#COVID19 #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/nZViq8n6g0— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) May 14, 2020
⚠ Starting June 1, 2020 visitors can access some trails, day use areas, green spaces as well as lakes/waterways in certain PC places. ➡ https://t.co/BQbIOZ8E9P#WeMissYouToo ❤ but until then, our visitor facilities/vehicle parking remain closed. Thanks for your patience! pic.twitter.com/FWTTN9eNKU
— Parks Canada (@ParksCanada) May 14, 2020