It won't be long before campers can get their gear out of storage and head to local conservation areas.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority announced on Thursday that it will be opening day use washrooms at Fanshawe Conservation Area on Friday and at Pittock Conservation Area in Woodstock on Monday. Day use washrooms at the marina at Wildwood Conservation Area had already been opened on a limited basis.
The UTRCA says backcountry camping at Wildwood will be permitted as of June 22. Seasonal camping at Fanshawe and Pittock conservation areas is currently allowed and begins at Wildwood on Monday, June 15. An announcement regarding the resumption of overnight camping will be made on Tuesday.
"We are phasing in more services at our conservation areas over the next few weeks while ensuring the safety of staff and visitors," said Jennifer Howley, UTRCA Conservation Areas Manager. "We need people to continue to respect physical distancing and group size maximums."
According to the UTRCA, visitors may see lineups at gatehouses and boat launches and are being asked to be patient and respectful. It says staff will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to rule breakers.