Skip to content

WATCH: Ford says you can visit provincial parks for free tomorrow

Visitors encouraged to maintain physical distancing

Update:

Premier Doug Ford announced today that, in celebration of Canada Day, Ontarians can visit provincial parks for free tomorrow.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive at popular provincial parks early to prevent overcrowding. All visitors are encouraged to maintain physical distancing and wear a mask whenever physical distancing isn't possible.

Additionally, from July 4-19, the province is offering two weeks of free fishing without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card.

"Canada Day is a wonderful time for families to enjoy the great outdoors, while spending time together," said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. "That's why, on July 1, we're offering free day use at Ontario Parks, so that everyone can take advantage of the great weather and explore the recreational opportunities that are now available at provincial parks. We continue to count on people to be responsible when outside and to follow all public health advice."

Original story:

Premier Doug Ford will make a COVID-19 announcement at Queen's Park at 1:00 p.m. today.

He will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, to make the announcement. 

The announcement comes as certain areas of the province continue to struggle with COVID-19 outbreaks and local mayors are expected to say they will be implementing their own mandatory mask policies after being denied the same request by the provincial government.

Village Media will carry the livestream, so stay tuned.