MNR actions on Springwater Park ‘good business decision’ – Patterson

By Kate Harries AWARE News Network January 22 2013

Warden Cal Patterson told county council today that his conclusion after meeting with Ministry of Natural Resources officials last month is that their decision to make Springwater Provincial Park “non-operational” makes sound business sense.

Attendance has declined 30 per cent in 2008-2011, although it went up last year, perhaps on news the park is closing, he said. 

Last month Patterson, Simcoe County CAO Mark Aitken, Springwater Mayor Linda Collins and Simcoe Grey MPP Jim Wilson met with Ontario Parks managing director Bradley Fauteux and zone manager Ken Lacroix

Based on figures provided by MNR, Patterson said annual operational expenses are $241,000-249,000, capital expenditures were $70,000 in 2010 and revenues are $140,000 a year excluding lumber sales.

Cost of running the animal sanctuary is $80,000. Removal of the animals could have an adverse affect on visitor numbers, he said. 

He said $1 million is needed in capital expenditures.

With annual losses at $100,000, “It was a good business decision on their part,” Patterson told councillors.

However Patterson said local representatives told MNR they want the park kept open.  “We’re waiting for a response from the province on our request.”

Various options were explored, including transfer of the property to the county or a management contract with the county. 

Patterson said the MNR officials were “adamant they have no intention of selling the land.”

In the event of a partnership, the province would own the land and the county would operate the park at its own expense in accordance with MNR polices, he said.

In response to a question from Essa Deputy Mayor Sandie MacDonald, who raised the issue, Patterson said the matter is not a county responsibility and groups working to save the park should work with the province. 

After the meeting, Les Stewart of Springwater Park Citizens Coalition said that’s easier said than done. “I appreciate Warden Patterson’s response, but the province won’t meet with us,” he said. The citizens’ group – which challenges the validity of MNR’s attendance figures – has attempted without success to get more detailed financial information, he added.