The Town of Cochrane is taking a preliminary look at whether Greenwater Provincial Park can open again for overnight camping.
The park about half an hour northwest of Cochrane has been shut down for eight years now. It’s reportedly in poor condition.
Mayor Denis Clement says it’s a possible method of bringing more tourists to the area. The town is going to explore with Ontario Parks whether it can be brought back to life, perhaps for the municipality to operate.
“We would kind of cross that bridge once we get there,” says Mayor Clement, “but I think we need to explore to see if there’s any opportunity legally for the municipality or someone in the private sector.”
Ideally, the mayor wants Ontario Parks to operate Greenwater, but he calls that a longshot.
In the interim, he points out that there are 14 campsites available right in town, at the Polar Bear Habitat.
“We are promoting them and once this stay-at-home order is lifted, then we’ll continue promoting and try to increase some revenues at the Polar Bear Habitat.”