TORONTO - Ernie Eves, Ontario's Premier, today introduced legislation to protect the Kawartha Highlands Signature Site, which is part of Ontario's Living Legacy -- the largest natural heritage conservation program in the province's history.

"If passed, this legislation would protect the ecological integrity of this semi-wilderness area," Eves said. "We are determined to preserve the natural heritage of the Kawartha Highlands, while maintaining traditional uses and providing the opportunity for compatible recreational activities."

The proposed Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Act would establish ground rules for the planning and management of the park. Under the proposed Act, low-impact activities such as hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, hunting, fishing and trapping would continue. Mining and aggregate extraction, forest harvesting and commercial power development would be banned. The bill would also permit access to private property and private facilities on Crown land through an approved road and trail system. The Eves government is planning to invest $6 million over four years to help build park infrastructure such as roads, signs, boat launches and recreational facilities such as trails and campsites.

Earlier this year, Eves asked Chris Hodgson, MPP for Haliburton-Victoria-Brock, to work with local groups to reach a consensus on how to protect and manage the site over the long term. As recommended by stakeholders, the government will establish the Kawartha Highlands Signature Site as an operating provincial park.

"Our committee worked hard to come up with a 'made-in-Kawarthas' solution on how to best protect this area," said Sissy Tanner, chair of the Local Stakeholder Committee. "We are glad the government is implementing our recommendations and is moving ahead with protection."

"I'm pleased we were able to reach an agreement to protect the Kawartha Highlands," said Hodgson. "This area is a provincial treasure and we are ensuring it is appropriately preserved for future generations."

The Kawartha Highlands is one of the nine Signature Sites identified under Ontario's Living Legacy as areas with exceptional natural features that warrant special protection and promotion.

Contact:

Premier's Media Office
416-325-7600