The final public consultations for the development of Bigwind Lake Provincial Park, the first new full-service provincial park in Ontario in 40 years, concluded on Saturday.
This development marks a significant expansion in the province’s commitment to enhancing outdoor recreational activities and accessibility.
The Ontario government announced last year its intention to transform Bigwind Lake Provincial Park, situated east of Bracebridge, into a comprehensive operational campground. Initially, the government released limited details, but further plans have now been unveiled, highlighting substantial upgrades and new facilities.
Proposed developments at Bigwind Lake include the addition of 250 campsites and up to 25 roofed accommodations, aimed at boosting the park’s capacity for visitors seeking both traditional and slightly more comfortable camping experiences. The plans also call for the installation of essential services such as washrooms, showers, and facilities for dishwashing and laundry.
In addition to these amenities, the park is set to offer 25 backcountry sites for those preferring a more secluded camping experience. The enhancements are designed to cater to a variety of camping preferences and encourage longer stays within the park.
Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney, in a CBC report, expressed optimism about the project’s impact on local access and infrastructure. “I can say from the conversations I am having with folks in town, they’re excited about the opportunity,” Maloney said. He emphasized that the structure brought by the development would improve access to the park, which is currently limited.
The provincial government’s proposal, first unveiled in March, includes a potential boundary expansion and the creation of an integrated trail network that will accommodate a variety of recreational activities. Among the new activities to be supported are cross-country skiing, canoeing, and hiking, enhancing the park’s appeal during both summer and winter seasons.
Officials also highlighted the introduction of an accessible trail and several walking trails, aiming to make the natural beauty of the park available to more people. This is part of a broader initiative to ensure that the park’s facilities and offerings are inclusive and accessible to all visitors.
Additional recreational opportunities will include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sport fishing, diversifying the activities available to visitors throughout the year.
The economic impact of the revamped park is significant, with the province estimating that it could generate about CA$16 million annually for Bracebridge and the surrounding areas once it opens. This projection is based on expected visitation rates and the increased number of visitors the new facilities are likely to attract.
Although the park is about a half-hour drive from Bracebridge, Maloney anticipates that visitors will engage with the local community, enhancing economic activities in the town. “You’ll soon find out you want to take an excursion, you want to get the ice cream cone, catch a movie in town or maybe you need to get some supplies,” he explained.
The initiative to develop Bigwind Lake Provincial Park into a full-service facility reflects a strategic move by the Ontario government to enhance outdoor recreational infrastructure and promote regional tourism, providing a significant boost to the local economy and improving access to natural spaces.