1926 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 9 



real farming. Ninety-three returned men took advantage of this opportunity 

 during the year, as against 131 last year, but because of failure to comply with 

 the regulations, seventy-two lost their locations as against eighty-two for 1924. 



Tourist Lands 



The educational campaign conducted last year by various means caused an 

 unprecedented influx of tourists. This was reflected in the number of letters 

 received, individual interviews given and applications for summer sites made. 



The Provincial parks, Algonquin in the east, Rondeau in the southwest, 

 and Quetico in the northwest, were attractive points where strangers longed tb 

 linger. 



The wild life of the parks, carefully protected by special regulations, their 

 scenic beauty, preserved in its natural state, and varied allurements are being 

 given continued steady publicity through the press and radio by those who have 

 come and have seen and have been conquered. Choice parcels of land in the 

 parks are leased at reasonable rentals under fair building restrictions. 



Our extensive forest reserves were visited by thousands during the summer, 

 employing their time in deep trolling for the lake trout or casting for the speckled 

 beauties. Hunters found within the reserves ample opportunities for their 

 marksmanship and many a moose and unsuspecting deer paid the penalty. 



To meet the growing demand for canoe trips and summer outings the 

 Department of Lands and Forests is considering the advisability of employing 

 photographic means, in collaboration with our aircraft service, of detailing our 

 parks and thus getting a perfect map of all waters and water routes therein. 

 The tourist or health seeker is with us to stay and we must get ready for. more 

 of his friends. 



Crown Surveys 



Surveys on Crown lands were performed where it was deemed expedient 

 for the necessary disposal of lands for settlement, summer resort and mining. 

 Surveys were also continued traversing some of the larger rivers and the extension 

 of base and meridian lines in Northern Ontario. 



Special subdivisions of areas on the Shebandawan and Kashabowie Lakes 

 in the Thunder Bay region were made and several hundred parcels, averaging 

 13^ to 2 acres, were released for sale to tourists at reasonable prices subject to 

 fair building conditions. 



It is proposed to have land surveyors collaborate the ensuing year with 

 aircraft parties to establish ground controls and make photographic surveys of 

 certain areas to enable the making of up-to-date maps of certain rivers, lakes 

 and streams hitherto not traversed or plotted. 



Water Powers 



The only new and important water power activity in the northern part of 

 the Province was that of the Hydro-Electric Commission at Nipigon. The 

 present plant with a 50,000 horsepower development is being augmented by two 

 additional units, thus enlarging the capacity to 72,000 horsepower, although 

 this will not be sufficient to fully meet the requirements consequent upon the 

 expected pulp and paper expansion at the head of the Lakes, a fact which amply 

 proves the wisdom of those who predicted success for the undertaking when 

 pessimistic critics sought to belittle the proposition. 



