With the Ontario government having taken urgent actions to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 to relieve mounting pressure on the province’s already strained health care system, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has made the difficult decision to close its properties, including day-use, seasonal and transient camping, and trails.
“We take tremendous pride in the number of residents and visitors who value and make use of our properties,” said SVCA Chair, Maureen Couture, “but, now is the time to reduce movement and keep people safely in or close to their homes.”
Despite travel being discouraged over the past year, the Grey-Bruce region continues to receive visitors from urban centres outside its region.
While historically SVCA would welcome visitors to our conservation areas, at this critical time, the only way to stop the spread of COVID-19 into and out of our region is to not provide the opportunity.
“SVCA knows that members of the public are upset by this decision,” says General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, Jennifer Stephens, “but we are hoping that individuals will look beyond their frustration to the fact that we are trying to do our part to put community safety first.”
Signage has been put in place at all Saugeen Conservation properties indicating that they are closed, and barricades are in place. While frequent users of SVCA’s properties are restricted from accessing our conservation areas, we do encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors close to their homes.
