DAN CEARNS, The Standard
KAWARTHA LAKES/NORTH DURHAM: Kawartha Conservation is introducing paid parking at three conservation areas.
On Tuesday, September 6th, the local conservation authority announced, paid parking is coming to Windy Ridge Conservation Area, Pigeon River Headwaters and Durham East Cross Forest. The change is expected to be implemented on Friday, September 16th.
Those who visit these sites will be charged $4 per day, plus HST; alternatively, people can choose to buy an annual parking pass for $84.75.
“During the last few years, we have experienced a dramatic increase in the number of conservation area visitors, and that increase in traffic comes with increased costs for maintenance,” read a statement from Stewardship Director Kristie Virgoe. “We have additional costs for garbage pickup, for washrooms, for infrastructure, including the new bridge installed at Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area. You can’t have a destination without the types of amenities visitors need and expect, and our conservation areas are very much destinations for a growing audience. The increased parking revenue will help support the additional costs for staff time and infrastructure enhancements, while providing a valued destination for residents and visitors.”
For more information, go online, to www.kawarthaconservation.com, or call 705-328-2271.