Ontario Investing in Infrastructure Improvements at Charleston Lake Provincial Park

New yurts will improve the visitor experience and boost local tourism

Brockville — The Ontario government has invested more than $389,000 to build new accessible infrastructure at Charleston Lake Provincial Park, which will increase opportunities for overnight camping experiences, improve the visitor experience at the park and boost local tourism.

“Our region boasts some of the most beautiful natural areas in Ontario, including Charleston Lake Provincial Park,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “I’m pleased our government is making this investment to enhance overnight camping experiences at Charleston Lake. It will provide more families with the opportunity to visit, explore, and experience the wonder of connecting with nature.”

This investment supported the construction of three accessible yurts at Charleston Lake Provincial Park. These new roofed accommodations are expected to be available to
book for this summer on May 31, 2024.

“With more than 11 million annual visits, Ontario Parks is a top destination for individuals and families to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “By making these investments today, we are improving the overall experience at Ontario Parks, providing unforgettable experiences for everyone who visits, and encouraging visitors to return year after year.”

Building new and revitalizing existing roofed accommodations directly responds to feedback from park visitors. In a 2021 survey, nearly one-third of Ontario Parks visitors said they would be more likely to visit in the future if more roofed accommodations were available.

Ongoing investments in Ontario Parks infrastructure is another way the government is expanding recreational opportunities for Ontario families, boosting local tourism and strengthening the protection and health of local wildlife and the environment.

Quick Facts:

• Since 2018, the Ontario government has invested $55.4 million to help maintain and build more facilities at provincial parks and ensure a modern and enjoyable
  parks experience for all visitors.
• Charleston Lake Provincial Park offers visitors activities such as, biking, birding, boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking with a trail that includes a vantage point from the highest peak in the county.
• Ontario Parks is the largest provider of outdoor recreational opportunities in the province, with more than 11 million visits annually.
• Ontario’s provincial parks have provided health and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike for more than 125 years.
• Every dollar spent at Ontario Parks, from annual passes to purchases from the online store, is re-invested into Ontario Parks, helping to create a better park experience for visitors, improve services, programs and amenities and protect more than 340 provincial parks and nearly 300 conservation reserves across the province.

Additional resources:

Learn more about the facilities and activities available at Charleston Lake Provincial Park – https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/charlestonlake/camping
Find a provincial park or conservation reserve near you