What we’re asking Coleman Township Council and decision-makers to do

 

Halt any plans to close or permanently restrict public access to Bass Lake Campground.
Share the full assessment and proposed plans publicly and hold a community meeting so residents can see the facts and offer solutions.
Explore sustainable funding and management options (grant opportunites, volunteer stewardship partnerships, modest user fees or local fundraising) — building on the 2021 funding and 2024 council work already underway.  
Recognize Bass Lake Campground in official planning as a valued recreational and historic asset to be preserved.

Bass Lake Campground (sometimes referred to locally as Bass Lake Resort / Bass Lake Park) is a long-standing recreational site in Coleman Township that draws families, seasonal campers and tourists to the Lake Temiskaming region every year. The campground supports local businesses, seasonal employment, and outdoor recreation that is vital to our rural community’s economy and quality of life. 

 

A piece of local history

Bass Lake and the surrounding area are part of the shared history of Coleman and the Tri-Towns (Cobalt, Haileybury, New Liskeard). The nearby town of Cobalt suffered a devastating, widely rememberd fire on May 23, 1977 — an event that shaped this region and for which Bass Lake served as part of the broader local refuge and community response in the years around that era. Preserving Bass Lake Campground helps keep that local story — and the places people remember — intact. 

 

Recent municipal investment (proof it’s valued)

Coleman Township has previously invested in Bass Lake infrastructure. In 2021 the township secured nearly $100,000 for campground improvements (washroom and facility upgrades), and local council has discussed new washroom facilities and campground maintenance in council materials as recently as 2024. Those actions demonstrate both community reliance on the campground and the feasibility of making it sustainably usable for visitors. Closing the campground now would erase those investments and harm local tourism. 

 

The impact of closure

 

Loss of a regionally important camping destination that brings visitors to Lake Temiskaming and benefits local businesses year after year.  
Reduced seasonal jobs and volunteer opportunities connected to park maintenance, beach supervision and campground services.
Loss of public access to a shoreline and green space that many local families have used for generations.

 

 

 

 

 

How you can help

 

Sign this petition and share it with family, friends, and local businesses.
Post a memory or photo of Bass Lake with #SaveBassLake so decision-makers see the community impact.

 

⚠️ 

Why It’s at Risk

 

 

 

Coleman Township has identified critical infrastructure issues at Bass Lake, including:

 

Aging water system with recurring leaks
Electrical system in need of modernization
Septic system upgrades
Road access and building repairs

 

 

Because of these costs, council is reviewing the campground’s future — and closure is on the table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

🗓️ 

Public Meeting — Have Your Say!

 

 

 

The Township is holding a public meeting to gather resident input before making a decision:

 

📅 Date: November 24, 2025

🕕 Time: 6:00 p.m.

📍 Location: Coleman Community Hall, 937907 Marsh Bay Road (Township Office)

 

👉 This meeting is your chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and show your support for keeping Bass Lake open!