Anyone looking to camp locally this long weekend may be out of luck as heavy spring rain has closed some parks and rendered parts of others unusable.
The latter is the case for CM Wilson Conservation Area. According to the general manager secretary treasurer of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, Mark Peacock, the park received more than three inches of rain over the past week.
"In some areas of the conservation area there is ponding water and in other areas the ground is very saturated, making it very soft and unfit for camping," Peacock said. "There are only a certain amount of campgrounds we are opening and those areas have already been booked."
Peacock added the closures mean the park will see a lot fewer visitors than usual, but it has to be done to protect the grounds and keep them in good condition for the summer. He said though some parts make look dry, the ground is still very soft and trailers could do significant damage.
As for potential hazards, Peacock said there is nothing to worry about in the areas that are approved for camping.
The general manager added there is an alcohol ban in effect for the long weekend, but said it is normal for long weekends at CM Wilson.