Over the past two seasons, Parks Canada and #ForTheLoveOfParks campaign collaborators have observed a significant increase in visitation to Ontario’s natural areas and it is exciting to see people in Ontario experiencing and connecting with parks and protected areas.
The 2022 #ForTheLoveOfParks campaign aims to support this renewed interest by educating visitors and potential visitors on responsible behaviour, and addressing common visitation incidents that detract from both the enjoyment and conservation of Ontario’s treasured places. These incidents include:
- Littering and dumping
- Human-wildlife interactions – feeding of wild animals and approaching wildlife
- Off-trail hiking
- Removal of natural materials including flowers, rocks, driftwood, and more
- Swimming in undesignated areas
- Vandalism
- Visitor safety issues including lack of supplies, equipment, and knowledge of necessities for hiking or camping
- Visitor unpreparedness – lack of reservations and pre-booked parking or camping sites
- Illegal parking
- Aggression toward park staff
Last season, increased visitation and misbehaviour prompted a collaborative approach in
examining how Parks Canada and Ontario Parks communicate with and educate visitors prior to their arrival at parks in Ontario to support a safe and enjoyable visit. The new interest in parks and protected places was also an opportunity to connect with first-time visitors and Ontarians, to provide essential information around desired behaviours in protected areas.
This season, #ForTheLoveOfParks will comprise a coordinated social media campaign to be
shared, promoted and amplified by an expanding list of participating organizations, including Parks Canada, Ontario Parks, the Niagara Parks Commission, Conservation Ontario, and Camping In Ontario.
The goal of this campaign is to unite all visitors to natural areas in a shared goal of responsible stewardship and safety, #ForTheLoveOfParks. All of the protected areas administered by participating organizations provide amazing experiences for visitors, especially when they are well prepared for their visit. Park rules are in place to ensure visitor safety and the wellbeing of the species living within the park so that these places can continue to be enjoyed by current and future generations.
“We want visitors to enjoy their nature-based experiences,” said a joint statement from the organizations. “This is best accomplished with proper preparation which includes learning park rules, researching the places you wish to visit prior to travelling, and ensuring you have the necessary reservations, permits, supplies, knowledge and equipment.”
The organizations participating in this campaign support the protection of significant natural and cultural landscapes and foster visitor appreciation, inspiration, and enjoyment. When parks are crowded, or when visitors arrive unprepared and do not know or choose not to follow park rules, it hinders both their experience and that of others.
“We want Ontarians to love and respect these treasured natural places to provide current and future generations with the same opportunities they have,” said the statement. “We look forward to welcoming you and your family to parks and natural areas this season.
Please, plan ahead and enjoy these spectacular places responsibly.”