Long Point Provincial Park Management Plan: Amendment

Decision note

Issue

Minor amendment to the Long Point Provincial Park Management Plan for the proposed development of a water pumping station.

Background

Long Point Provincial Park is a 140 hectare Recreation class park established by regulation under the Provincial Parks Act in 1973. The park offers a variety of recreational facilities including 256 campsites (78 electrical) and parking for 800 day use visitors. The Long Point Provincial Park Management Plan was approved in 1989.

The park has an aging water system, which is in need of immediate upgrading. A new pumphouse and water chlorination system are in the process of being designed. A centralized building site has been selected adjacent to the main interior road (see attached map). The new facility is required to ensure a clean, safe drinking water supply for the use of park patrons. Should the system experience critical failure the park would be forced to close, resulting in a loss of revenues. Capital funding has been tentatively identified for this project subject to approval of the park management plan amendment. Scheduled start date early September/October, 1997.

The preferred site is located on the periphery of a Natural Environment Zone. A minor park management plan amendment is required to approve both the location of the proposed development and to slightly adjust the Development Zone corridor along the main park road to encompass the proposed building site.

The proposed development site has been inspected by the District Ecologist to determine the natural values present and to consider the range of mitigative measures required. The structure will be designed, constructed and landscaped to blend into the park environment. All appropriate measures will be taken to confine or mitigate impacts on the surrounding natural environment, including utilizing the services of a consultant specializing in landscape restoration techniques.

Public notification will consist of a notice posted on site and a paid advertisement in the local newspaper. This minor amendment will not require full public consultation. An appropriate notice will also be placed on the Environmental Registry. All requirements under Exemption Order MNR-59/2, Environmental Assessment: Provincial Parks Program, will be met upon approval of the plan amendment.

Ministry position

It is recommended that the minor amendment to the Long Point Provincial Park Management Plan be approved to facilitate the development of a new water pumping station for the park.

Prepared by:

Brian Huis
Park Planning Specialist
Southwestern Parks Zone, Ontario Parks
Tel: (519) 661-2794

June 10, 1997

Figure 1: Regional setting

Enlarge Figure 1: Regional setting

Figure 2: Existing development

Enlarge Figure 2: Existing Development

Figure 3: Zoning

Enlarge Figure 3: Zoning

Approval statement

I am pleased to approve the amendment to the Long Point Provincial Park Management Plan as official policy for the management and development of this park. The minor amendment pertains to development of a new water pumping station in the park.

The amendment reflects this Ministry’s and Ontario Parks' intent to protect the cultural, natural and recreational features of Long Point Provincial Park and maintain high quality opportunities for outdoor recreation and heritage appreciation for both residents of Ontario and visitors to the Province.

Signed by:
Norm Richards
Managing Director
Ontario Parks

Date: October 17, 1997