A group of campers who have called the McConnell Lake camping area near Diver, home for decades, are trying to figure out what to do after receiving word that a Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry environmental study is going to force them to pull their campers, decks and sheds out of the park for a year or longer.
The camping spot is about an hour's drive north of North Bay near Eldee off Highway 63.
"To allow the ministries time to complete the required septic compliance measures, rectify environmental concerns, and get all campground septic infrastructure into compliance, it is anticipated the overnight camping will be closed for the 2025 operating season, leaving the McConnell Lake Campgrounds area only available for day use," the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry sent to campers recently.
The letter has left dozens of campers reeling and wondering what to do next. They are expected to have all their campers moved and decks and sheds taken down by the October 31 deadline.
Tom Mason and Peter Butkevich have used the campground for decades. They claim in the past the Ministry of Natural Resources has been able to conduct surveys without forcing campers to remove their campers.
"Why shut down three parks for 18 months for an environmental study," questioned Mason in an interview recently with BayToday.
Mason and Butkevich say the MNRF message has left many families stressed over what will happen. Some are wondering if they should just pack up and leave for good.
"Some people have been up there for 60 years," said Butkevich.
"This change comes due to bureaucracy and no communication to understand the impact on the campers."
Butkevich says a group of campers has been in contact with the MNRF recently in hopes of coming to some form of a resolution.
BayToday.ca reached out to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for a statement but did not receive a response,.
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