Bill 26, Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Amendment Act, 2025

Summary#

This Ontario bill changes the law for provincial parks by creating two new types of parks and letting the government add more types later by regulation. The goal is to expand outdoor recreation near cities and allow more adventure-style activities in certain parks.

• Creates Urban Class Parks to improve access to nature-based recreation in or near cities.
• Creates Adventure Class Parks for activities like rock climbing, tree‑top trekking, mountain biking, and riding snowmobiles or ATVs, even if this needs changes to the natural setting.
• Lets the provincial cabinet set up new park classes in the future and define their goals through regulations.
• Takes effect once it receives Royal Assent (the formal final approval).
• The bill sets the categories and goals; specific park locations, rules, and facilities would be decided later.

What it means for you#

• Visitors and families

  • You may see more park options close to where you live, especially in larger cities.
  • Some parks could offer zip-line or tree‑top courses, mountain bike trails, or designated routes for ATVs and snowmobiles.
  • Rules, fees, and what activities are allowed will depend on future park plans and regulations.

• Outdoor sports users

  • Adventure Class Parks could create new legal, managed places for rock climbing, mountain biking, and motorized trail use.
  • Facilities (like marked trails or courses) may be built or upgraded where allowed.

• Residents near parks

  • Urban Class Parks could bring more visitors to nearby areas, which may increase traffic, noise, and demand for parking on busy days.
  • You may also gain easier access to green space, trails, and family recreation without long drives.

• Local businesses and tourism

  • More park visits can boost demand for guides, rentals, lodging, and food services near new or expanded parks.
  • Adventure activities may attract new tourism in some regions.

• Environmental and community groups

  • Adventure Class Parks allow activities that can alter the natural environment in some areas. How impacts are managed will depend on later rules and park management plans.
  • “Compatible nature-based recreation” for Urban Class Parks is not defined in the bill; details will come through regulations and planning.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

• The bill does not include funding. Costs would depend on how many parks are designated and what facilities are built or maintained.
• Operating costs and any new revenue (such as user fees) would be set later through budgets and park policies.
• Nearby municipalities could face added demand for roads, parking, and services if urban parks attract many visitors.

Proponents' View#

• More people in cities will be able to enjoy nature close to home, which supports health and quality of life.
• Clear space for adventure activities can reduce conflicts by steering high‑impact recreation to parks designed to handle it.
• Outdoor tourism and local businesses may grow with new trails and attractions.
• Flexible authority to create more park classes allows the system to adapt to changing needs and interests over time.

Opponents' View#

• Allowing activities that alter the natural environment, and motorized use like ATVs and snowmobiles, may harm wildlife, quiet areas, and sensitive habitats.
• Urban parks could bring congestion, noise, and parking pressure to nearby neighborhoods if not well planned.
• The bill leaves many details to regulations, raising concerns about weak safeguards or limited public input later.
• Enforcement and maintenance could be costly or difficult if new recreation areas are heavily used without enough staff or funding.