Demand reversal of Kawartha Highlands campsite fee model change
The Issue
As a dedicated solo paddler, my adventures in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offer not only a profound connection with nature but also a chance to rejuvenate my spirit. However, the looming fee model change set to take effect on May 1, 2027, by Ontario Parks threatens this cherished escape. Replacing the equitable per-person fee with a flat-per-campsite model means individuals like me will see our campsite costs soar, increasing overnight fees from $12.43 to an astronomical $46.05. This is a 270% hike for solo campers, an unjust burden that makes solo outdoor experiences an exclusionary privilege.
The current per-person model is fair; it reflects the actual use and impact each camper has on our precious natural resources. Forcing solo adventurers, couples, and small families to pay the same fee as large groups places an undue financial burden on those who minimally impact the environment. In the past two years alone, this policy would have cost me an additional $480, altering my ability to enjoy the natural beauty of the park freely and sustainably.
Such a drastic fee increase is not just about money; it's about access to nature. It's about maintaining the ability of individuals to connect with the environment without financial barriers. Large groups utilize more resources, produce more waste, and have a larger impact on the land, yet under this new model, they’re financially rewarded for their size. Meanwhile, those of us who choose solitary reflection or quiet experiences are penalized for our eco-friendly choices.
We must urge Ontario Parks to reconsider this policy change at Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. Instead of a blanket fee that unfairly penalizes certain campers, a balanced, tiered pricing structure could be implemented. This structure could accommodate the needs of solo campers through to large groups, aligning fees more accurately with environmental impact while keeping solo adventurers and small families in the wilderness.
By signing this petition, you are supporting a call for fair play, sustainable pricing, and preserving the spirit of adventure in Kawartha Highlands. Let's make sure that all campers, irrespective of their group size, have equitable financial access to experience the beauty and tranquility of this park.
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The Issue
As a dedicated solo paddler, my adventures in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offer not only a profound connection with nature but also a chance to rejuvenate my spirit. However, the looming fee model change set to take effect on May 1, 2027, by Ontario Parks threatens this cherished escape. Replacing the equitable per-person fee with a flat-per-campsite model means individuals like me will see our campsite costs soar, increasing overnight fees from $12.43 to an astronomical $46.05. This is a 270% hike for solo campers, an unjust burden that makes solo outdoor experiences an exclusionary privilege.
The current per-person model is fair; it reflects the actual use and impact each camper has on our precious natural resources. Forcing solo adventurers, couples, and small families to pay the same fee as large groups places an undue financial burden on those who minimally impact the environment. In the past two years alone, this policy would have cost me an additional $480, altering my ability to enjoy the natural beauty of the park freely and sustainably.
Such a drastic fee increase is not just about money; it's about access to nature. It's about maintaining the ability of individuals to connect with the environment without financial barriers. Large groups utilize more resources, produce more waste, and have a larger impact on the land, yet under this new model, they’re financially rewarded for their size. Meanwhile, those of us who choose solitary reflection or quiet experiences are penalized for our eco-friendly choices.
We must urge Ontario Parks to reconsider this policy change at Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. Instead of a blanket fee that unfairly penalizes certain campers, a balanced, tiered pricing structure could be implemented. This structure could accommodate the needs of solo campers through to large groups, aligning fees more accurately with environmental impact while keeping solo adventurers and small families in the wilderness.
By signing this petition, you are supporting a call for fair play, sustainable pricing, and preserving the spirit of adventure in Kawartha Highlands. Let's make sure that all campers, irrespective of their group size, have equitable financial access to experience the beauty and tranquility of this park.
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Petition created on October 30, 2026