

PARKS BFRAIMCH 



OBJECTIVES 



1. To provide outdoor space in which the people of Ontario 

 may enjoy the recreational pursuits usually associated 

 with the natural environment. 



2. To establish Provincial Parks to provide outdoor space 

 where it is needed and to preserve important or unusual 

 features of natural or historical significance. 



3. To reserve areas for future use to meet anticipated 

 demands. 



4. To preserve the natural environment of parks by restrict- 

 ing practices which would alter the environment, and by 

 providing only the facilities necessary for the well-being 

 of park visitors and the enjoyment of outdoor activities. 



5. To promote in park visitors an appreciation of park 

 features and the inspirational enjoyment of nature. 



ORGANIZATION 



Parks Branch is divided into three sections and their 

 subordinate units with duties and responsibilities as follows. 



RECREATIONAL PLANNING ! 



Responsible for long range planning for parks and related 

 public recreational areas and activities, including analysis 

 and projection of demand, determination of land require- 

 ments, preparation of provincial and regional recreation 

 plans and recreation research to provide essential planning 

 information. 



PARK PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 

 Production of detailed Provincial Park master plans and 

 control of all park development according to an approved 

 design; planning and control of all park water supplies and 

 sanitary installations; design and construction control of 

 all park buildings and structures. 

 PARK MANAGEMENT 



Establishment and control of standards of park operations: 

 supervision of operating expenditures and revenues; pre- 

 paration of operation concession agreements; compilation 

 of park use data. 



Interpretive: Establishment, operation and maintenance of 

 interpretive programs — museums, exhibit centres, illus- 

 trated talks, conducted trips, interpretive trails and 

 publications. 

 PARK USAGE 



During the past fiscal year, 92 Provincial Parks were oper- 

 ated, including three new parks — Arrowhead, Ferris and 

 North Beach. Approximately 3% million acres of Provincial 

 Park land was available for the enjoyment of the public. A 

 further 500,000 acres is designated as reserve for future 

 development as Provincial Parks. 



The 1966 season was the most successful operating season 

 in the history of Provincial Parks in Ontario. Visitations in- 

 creased over the previous year by 10 per cent to an all-time 

 high of 9,791.671. Camper use increased by seven per cent, 

 providing some 2,653,035 camper days. A total of 994,787 

 campers were recorded by permit in 1966. Although park 

 fees remained unchanged, revenue increased some $215,000 

 to a total of $2,100,000 in 1%6. 



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VISITORS 



CA M^IRS 



