Ontario Investing in Infrastructure Improvements at Killbear & Oastler Lake Provincial Parks 

$7,270,000 investment will improve visitor experience and boost local tourism 

NEWS 

May 11, 2023 

[PARRY SOUND] — The Ontario government is investing $7,270,000 to build, maintain and revitalize infrastructure at Killbear and Oastler Lake Provincial Parks. This investment will improve the visitor experience and boost local tourism. 

“Parry Sound-Muskoka is home to some of Ontario’s most beautiful and frequently visited provincial parks,” said Graydon Smith, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka. “Our government appreciates how vital it is to ensure our parks have the amenities and infrastructure required to provide a high-quality visitor experience. This helps keep our parks sought-after destinations, which in-turn contributes much to our local economy.” 

Oastler Lake Provincial Park is receiving $5,500,000. These funds will be used to renew the administration building, along with a bridge and the main entrance road. Killbear Provincial Park will receive $1,360,000 to electrify campsites and the water filling station, and $410,000 to replace the HVAC and geothermal systems in the visitor centre. 

 
“In 2022, Ontario Parks recorded more than 12.1 million visits and overnight camping grew by nine per cent over 2021, which goes to show the increasing demand for our beautiful provincial parks,” said David Piccini, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Upgrading infrastructure is one of the ways we’re working to improve the visitor experience, so that they have a memorable and positive time while at our parks, returning with their friends and families for years to come.” 

Ongoing investment in Ontario Parks infrastructure is another way the government is expanding recreational opportunities for Ontario families, boosting local tourism and strengthening the protection and health of local wildlife and the environment. This project is part of Ontario’s $41.7 million investment over two years to upgrade and maintain Ontario Parks infrastructure to continue to ensure a modern and enjoyable parks experience.  

Quick Facts 

• Our world-class system of provincial parks is one of Ontario’s greatest strengths, providing health and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike for more than 125 years. 
• Every dollar spent at Ontario Parks, from annual passes to purchases from the online store, is re-invested into Ontario Parks, helping to create a better park experience for visitors, improve services, programs and amenities and protect  340 provincial parks and 295 conservation reserves across the province.. 
   

Additional resources 

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Media Contact 

Dan Powers 

dan.powers@pc.ola.org