Access Today Doesn’t Mean Access Tomorrow

Why Ontario’s Outdoor Community Is Saying NO to the Conservation Reserves

Conservation Reserves might sound harmless—even beneficial. But don’t be misled by the claim that “nothing will change.” Once land is designated as a Conservation Reserve, it becomes subject to a permanent, legally binding land use decision—one with serious and lasting consequences for public access, recreational use, development, and local economies. 

What the Law Really Says

Under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006, the Province makes it clear:

“Conservation reserves shall be planned and managed to retain their natural state.” — Section 10(2)

“The Minister shall ensure that management of lands protected under this Act is consistent with maintaining ecological integrity.” — Section 3(1)

This means ecological preservation takes priority over recreation, access, and tradition.

Real Risks for Recreational and Rural Communities

Once designated, Conservation Reserves often restrict or prohibit:

• Motorized access, including ATVs, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, 4x4s, and dirt bikes

• Trail building, maintenance, and grooming, even by local clubs

• New infrastructure such as staging areas, signage, bridges, huts, or access roads

• Sustainable resource use, including forestry, trapping, and firewood collection

• Commercial activity, including outfitting, ecotourism, and guided trips unless specially approved
  
  

Even long-standing uses can be phased out if they’re deemed “incompatible” with ecological goals or species-at-risk protection. There is no guarantee of continued access.

Who’s Affected? Everyone Who Uses the Land

This proposal doesn’t just affect one group — it affects everyone who enjoys the outdoors or depends on access to Crown land:

• ATV and off-road clubs

• Snowmobilers and groomer associations

• Jeepers and overlanders

• Hunters, anglers, and trappers

• Tourism operators and outdoor guides

• Local families with long-standing recreational ties to the land
  
  

This is About More Than Conservation - It is also about the economy!

This is also about sustaining our local economy. It’s about protecting four-season access, supporting regional resilience, and preserving the rural way of life that defines Haliburton County and beyond. Our towns depend on responsible land use and recreational tourism to survive.

A Conservation Reserve designation may be pitched as a low-impact environmental win, but in reality, it hands decision-making power to unelected provincial managers and binds the land to inflexible ecological mandates. When that happens, local voices are silenced—and the practical needs of our communities are pushed aside.

Bottom Line: Once It’s Designated, It’s Permanent

There is no “trial period.” Once the MECP gives the green light, the designation is permanent. This is a one-way door.

Together, we can make sure the public has the full picture and a voice—before it’s too late!

Click here to learn how to help or head over to the page Missing Voices, Permanent Decisions.