Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (Canada) is taking over the Lakefield Campgrounds in the 2023 season, following an agreement with Selwyn Township.
A portion of the campgrounds that currently have 45 trailer sites will eventually be converted into transient campers through attrition, according to the agreement, which the township councilor approved at its regular meeting Tuesday.
Under the same agreement, the winter storage of a deck, trailers, and shed will be permitted on trailer sites, which could have worried the occupants if it was not allowed.
The 138-site campground occupies part of the 23-acre Lakefield Park on Hague Point. Since 1996, it has been managed by a private operator under an agreement.
Two areas will remain as seasonal sites, while a third area, which has 45 trailer sites, is set to transition to transient camping use over time through attrition. These will be spots for campers who stay for a short time while passing through the area.
“The approach we’re going to take is proposing with ORCA that they would be allowed to work through the process of having the (third area) turn into a transient camping area over time,” Janice Lavalley, chief administrative officer for the township, told councilors.
“It isn’t the intention to go in and just start from fresh in the campground. It would be a transition period through attrition of tenants,” Lavalley said.
Kayak and canoe rentals will be available to campers and the public. The docking facilities can allow up to 24 small watercraft for users.
The township will also create a vegetation buffer between the campground and the park and trail areas, working with ORCA and Curve Lake First Nation to ensure vegetation contributes to the natural habitat. Interpretative signage will also be added.
This story originally appeared on The Peterborough Examiner.
