Purpose

The Ontario government is proposing regulatory amendments to change the boundaries for two provincial parks and a conservation reserve. These changes would be made under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 (PPCRA) as provided for in the Algonquin Land Claim Settlement Declaration Order (ALC DO) made under the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA). This report summarizes the environmental assessment evaluation, consultation process and outcomes of these regulatory changes.

Specifically, two separate projects outlined in provision 9.1.30 of the Algonquins of Ontario Agreement-in-Principle (AIP) are being assessed:

  1. Amending a boundary by regulation to add Crown land to Lake St. Peter Provincial Park (Recreational Class)
  2. Rescinding a boundary by regulation for Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve (the lands to be included in Whiteduck Provincial Park) and establishing a boundary by regulation to create Whiteduck Provincial Park (Natural Environment Class).

For clarity, the environmental assessment process for amending and rescinding, in whole or in part, boundaries by regulation for other provincial parks and/or conservations reserves (i.e., Bell Bay, Foy Property, Carson Lake, Alexander Lake Forest, Mattawa River, Centennial Lake, Barron River, Bonnechere River) related to proposed settlement lands (i.e., lands to be transferred to the Algonquins of Ontario) is outlined in the Draft Environmental Evaluation Report: Proposed Settlement Lands (2017) and Supplemental Report to the Draft Environmental Evaluation Report: Proposed Settlement Lands (2020).

Context

Canada, Ontario and the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) are working together to resolve a land claim through a negotiated Final Agreement that will take the form of a modern-day treaty. All three parties are committed to finding a balanced and shared solution that respects the rights of all Canadians.

The non-binding AIP was signed by the three negotiation parties in 2016, setting out elements of the proposed settlement. Provision 9.1.30 of the AIP states that:

  • The Final Agreement will describe the boundaries for a recommended addition to Lake St. Peter Provincial Park and a recommended Provincial Park (Natural Environment Class) in the area of the Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve.

The AOO have identified that the lands and waters around the existing Lake St. Peter Provincial Park and Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve have ecological, historical, cultural and spiritual importance, as well as recreational opportunities and economic development potential (e.g., education and eco-tourism) for the Algonquin people. The negotiation parties have recommended these areas for regulation as provincial parks which also allows for the continued use and enjoyment of the project areas by the public. The AOO identification of these areas as important aligns with the purpose of the PPCRA which is:

  • to permanently protect a system of provincial parks and conservation reserves that includes ecosystems that are representative of all of Ontario’s natural regions, protects provincially significant elements of Ontario’s natural and cultural heritage, maintains biodiversity and provides opportunities for compatible, ecologically sustainable recreation.

The regulation of these provincial park boundaries through the Final Agreement will afford permanent protection to the natural, cultural and recreational values within the parks for present and future generations.

Project descriptions

Ontario is conducting environmental assessments for two separate projects:

  1. Amending a boundary by regulation to add Crown land to Lake St. Peter Provincial Park (Recreational Class)
  2. Rescinding a boundary by regulation for Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve (the lands to be included in Whiteduck Provincial Park) and establishing a boundary by regulation to create Whiteduck Provincial Park (Natural Environment Class)

Project 1 - Lake St. Peter Provincial Park addition

The recommended Crown land addition is 777 hectares (1920 acres) located along the eastern boundary of the existing provincial park (refer to Map 1). The area will be added to the existing Lake St. Peter Provincial Park.

The project area is in the northern part of the Municipality of Hastings Highlands and southern part of the Township of South Algonquin, approximately 30 kilometres north of the town of Bancroft and 25 kilometres south of the town of Whitney. It is located within the same ecological region (Ecodistrict 5E-9) as the western portion of Algonquin Provincial Park and is primarily forested, with numerous lakes, wetlands, rivers and streams. Approximately 80% of the area is terrestrial forest, including sugar maple forest, white and red pine forest and mixed-species forest. Approximately 12% of the area is a coniferous swamp and 8% is other wetland and open water.

The area provides for recreational activities including hunting, angling, camping, snowmobiling and off-road vehicle use. Current commercial activities include fur harvest (trapping) and forestry.

Project 2 - Whiteduck Provincial Park

The recommended Whiteduck Provincial Park is in the northern part of the Township of Central Frontenac and the southern part of the Township of North Frontenac (refer to Map 2). The lands described in Schedule 281 of Ontario Regulation 315/07 as Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve will be rescinded as a conservation reserve, and these lands will be then included in the boundary of the recommended Whiteduck Provincial Park, resulting in a total area of 10,833.5 hectares (26,770 acres).

Approximately 2000 hectares of Crown land adjacent to the recommended Whiteduck Provincial Park are subject to existing mining claims under the Mining Act (refer to Area A identified in Map 2). Those mining claims will continue under the terms and provisions of the Mining Act. Ontario’s negotiation team will recommend that these Crown lands be added to the recommended Whiteduck Provincial Park, should the mining interests lapse, be forfeited, abandoned or otherwise cease to exist. Any recommendations would be subject to the completion of any legal obligations and approval processes applicable at the time and the achievement of an AOO Final Agreement. For clarity, Area A lands are not subject to this environmental assessment evaluation and consultation process.

The project area is located within the same ecological district (Ecodistrict 5E-11) as Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park and Bon Echo Provincial Park and is composed of a mostly mixed and coniferous forest with large components of exposed rock and aquatic habitats. The variety of geological features, substrates and habitats in this ecodistrict results in a high number of species and biodiversity. The project area itself is approximately 71% terrestrial, 18% aquatic and 11% wetland habitat. The site topography consists of rolling bedrock ridges and is predominantly forested with large areas of rock barrens, intermittent streams and many wetlands.

The area is rugged, scenic and accessible which makes it a recreational destination for angling, camping, hiking, boating and hunting. Approximately 80 campsites, the majority of which are water access only, along with two lake access points and roads are presently maintained and administered by the Township of North Frontenac under two separate land use permits (i.e., one land use permit issued under the Public Lands Act (PLA) for Crown land and the other land use permit issued under the PPCRA for Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve). There are three commercial lodges on Crotch Lake which provide accommodations and facilities mainly for angling. Other current commercial activities include fur harvest (trapping) and forestry.

Environmental assessment process

Several projects or activities identified in the AIP must be assessed under the ALC DO to evaluate environmental effects. The ALC DO is a specific process, developed by Ontario in 2007, to meet provincial EAA requirements related to the settlement of the land claim. The ALC DO describes the class of undertakings (i.e., projects and activities) that are being considered for inclusion in the Final Agreement, including the following (from section 1.2 of ALC DO Schedule “A”):

  • The amending and rescinding, in whole or in part, boundary regulations for provincial parks and conservation reserves.

The potential environmental effects of amending, rescinding and establishing of boundaries by regulation for these two projects have been assessed separately to determine the degree of net environmental effects (both positive and negative) based on environmental, social, economic and cultural criteria as set out in Table 2.1 of the ALC DO. The assessment considered all information gathered to date through inventory and monitoring activities, existing information sources and previous consultation. Appendix 1 summarizes the assessment for the addition to Lake St. Peter Provincial Park and Appendix 2 summarizes the assessment for the rescindment of the boundary by regulation of Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve and establishment of the boundary by regulation of Whiteduck Provincial Park.

Based on the project screening, both projects were assigned to Category B under the ALC DO. Category B projects may have low to medium potential for net negative environmental effects and/or public or agency concern. These effects generally are well understood from a technical perspective and are minor. Although enough environmental controls (e.g., legislation, guidelines) are in place for these projects to go ahead with mitigation (where required), there may be some public concern with the proposal (e.g., related to social, cultural, economic or natural environment concerns) that calls for a public notice. The evaluation and consultation requirements for Category B projects consists of five steps.

The process for both projects is currently at the public notice step (Step 2) and Ontario is seeking input to ensure that the potential environmental effects of the projects have been assessed accurately and that all aspects have been considered.

Following the consideration of input received from the public, Indigenous communities and any agencies in response to the notice, the Category B process continues to the project evaluation step (Step 3). The evaluation of the environmental effects and/or issues raised may identify the need for additional information and/or for the consideration of recommendations for mitigation and monitoring measures. Where comments are received, Ontario will work with those who may be directly affected to try to resolve any concerns.

Once the project evaluation is complete, Ontario will individually notify all persons and agencies that commented or asked to be notified of the completion of the project evaluation and the report to the Ontario negotiating team through the Notice of Completion (Step 4).

Based on the results of the evaluation and consultation, a report will be forwarded to the Ontario negotiating team (Step 5).

  1. Step 1. Establish assessment parameters
  2. Step 2. Public notice
  3. Step 3. Conduct project or activity evaluation
  4. Step 4. Notice of completion
  5. Step 5. Report to the Ontario negotiating team

The consultation process associated with the ALC DO Category B evaluation and consultation process for both projects outlined in this Draft Environmental Assessment Summary Report is being coordinated with the ALC DO Category C process related to the transfer of proposed settlement lands to the AOO outlined within the Draft Environmental Evaluation Report: Proposed Settlement Lands and the Supplemental Report to the Draft Environmental Evaluation Report: Proposed Settlement Lands (2020).

Previous engagement

Through the tripartite (i.e., AOO, Canada and Ontario) negotiation process to resolve the AOO land claim, several engagement opportunities have been provided to increase the awareness of the public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities, and to allow for input into the various processes and products. This has included:

  1. The Ontario Information Centre was established in 1993 and is dedicated to answering questions on and providing information about, the AOO land claim.
  2. Ontario has a dedicated Algonquin land claim webpage to provide the public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities with updates on the negotiation process.
  3. Informal/targeted engagement with legal interest holders, adjacent landowners, municipalities and stakeholders (ongoing as necessary).
  4. Release of the Preliminary Draft Agreement-in-Principle (PDAIP):
    • Nine information sessions held on the PDAIP in 2013, including Bancroft, Perth and Kingston.
    • An additional information session, specific to the area around Crotch Lake, was held in Plevna in 2013.
  5. Public notice and open houses for the Category C project under the ALC DO - Draft Environmental Evaluation Report: Proposed Settlement Lands (2017).
    • Basic information from the AIP was also available for the recommended provincial park and park addition, although the focus was on proposed settlement lands.

Summary of net environmental effects

Natural environment considerations

Regulation of the project areas under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act provides enhanced protection for the land, water, earth/life science features and all species associated with the project areas. As a regulated provincial park, activities deemed to be incompatible with the protection of these values, such as commercial forestry, mining, electricity generation activities and other industrial uses, will not be allowed to continue, subject to the exceptions outlined in the PPCRA.

The net effects on the natural environment for both projects were assessed overall as nil to low positive.

Land use and resource management considerations

There is potential for both positive and negative environmental effects on land uses depending on the perspective of the user or stakeholder. Many land uses will be permitted to continue, although some may be subject to restrictions consistent with the objectives and provincial policies of the regulated areas. Some policy decisions will be determined through future management planning processes.

The net effects on land use and resource management for both projects were assessed overall as nil to low positive.

Social, cultural and economic considerations

Some social effects related to the enjoyment of the area may be both medium positive or negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or required permissions resulting from the regulation of the provincial park boundary and its administration and management under the PPCRA and associated regulations.

The effects of both projects on cultural criteria were assessed overall as low positive. Cultural heritage resources are afforded protection under the PPCRA as well as consideration under the Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties under the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA).

The effects of the projects on economic criteria also have the potential to be both low to medium positive and low negative depending on the perspective of the user or stakeholder. The prohibition of activities like commercial forestry, prospecting, developing mineral interests, generation of electricity and other industrial uses, subject to the exceptions outlined in the PPCRA, is viewed as a limitation on economic development opportunity for some, however, can be positive to others that regard the ecological services and tourism opportunities provided by provincial parks as an economic benefit.

The net effects on social, cultural and economic considerations for both projects were assessed overall as nil to low positive.

Indigenous considerations

Effects relating to Indigenous considerations have the potential to be both positive and negative depending on the perspective of the Indigenous peoples/community.

The effects of the projects have been assessed as positive for the AOO who have identified this area as having cultural and spiritual values.

Ontario consults with Indigenous communities whose established or asserted Aboriginal or treaty rights may be adversely impacted by proposed Crown decisions. Ontario also engages with Indigenous communities who have identified interests that may be affected by proposed Crown decisions.

Ontario and Canada will continue to consult and engage with these communities through the ongoing treaty negotiation process to identify potential concerns relating to the projects.

Stage 1 archaeological assessments have been conducted for both areas to provide a baseline level of data on known and potential cultural heritage resources.

Nothing in this environmental assessment shall be construed to abrogate or derogate from the protection provided for the existing Aboriginal or treaty rights of the Indigenous peoples of Canada as recognized and affirmed in section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

Appendix 1 – Summary of net environmental effects for the recommended addition to Lake St. Peter Provincial Park

Natural environment
Natural environment criteriaWhat will change?Positive or negative change?

Natural heritage

  • Significant earth or life science features
  • Significant natural heritage features and areas
  • Wetland function
The project area will increase the regulated area of Lake St. Peter Provincial Park, providing for additional protection of earth science, life science and natural heritage features, including wetlands, through the PPCRA.Low positive

Water protection

  • Water quality or quantity (ground or surface)
The project area contains lakes, wetlands and streams that will be afforded additional protections through the provisions of the PPCRA and associated regulations.Low positive

Fish and wildlife

  • Species at risk or their habitat
  • Aquatic species, communities, or their habitat
  • Terrestrial wildlife, or their habitat

Several species at risk (SAR) are known to occur within the project area. These species and their habitat are currently protected under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). Regulation of the project area under the PPCRA will afford additional protection to SAR and their habitat.

Regulation of the project area would offer enhanced protection for native fish and wildlife species and their habitats.

The maintenance of ecological integrity within provincial parks will inherently benefit native fish and wildlife.

Low positive
Connectivity and habitat linkagesThe project area is directly adjacent to the regulated boundary of Lake St. Peter Provincial Park and will result in increased landscape connectivity and core habitat area linkages. The area falls within the Algonquin to Adirondack (A2A) conservation corridor. This increase to the provincial park supports the existing Lake St. Peter Provincial Park Management Plan’s vision to further enhance a critical link for biodiversity and resilience in eastern North America. Commercial forestry, mining, electricity generation activities and other industrial uses, will not be allowed to continue, subject to the exceptions outlined in the PPCRA, reducing fragmentation and habitat loss.Low positive
Ecological integrityThe protection of ecological integrity is a key objective of the PPCRA (s. 2(1)1). Protection of ecological integrity is also identified in the AIP in Provision 9.1.2; specifically, “The Parties agree that the maintenance of ecological integrity will be the first priority in the management of Protected Areas in the Settlement Area.”Medium positive

Other natural environment criteria

  • Air quality
  • Land subject to natural or human-made hazards (e.g. flood-prone areas)
  • Recovery of a species under a special management program
  • Soils and sediment quality
  • Drainage or flooding
  • Sedimentation or erosion
  • Release of contaminants in soils, sediments
  • Areas of high mineral potential
  • Slope stability
No anticipated change.Nil
Land use and resource management
Land use and resource management criteriaWhat will change?Positive or negative change?
Park values

Provincial parks are established and managed to: protect natural and cultural values; provide for ecologically sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities and encourage associated economic benefits; provide opportunities for heritage appreciation; and to facilitate scientific research.

The project area would add approximately 777 hectares to the current park area. This increase to the area of the park is consistent with the objectives outlined in the PPCRA for provincial parks.

Medium positive
Access to trails or inaccessible areas

A regulation under the PPCRA provides mechanisms that give the Minister (or delegate) the ability to restrict or permit access by road, trail or portage within a provincial park.

Existing authorized roads and trails will continue unless they:

  • compromise health and safety
  • are inconsistent with conservation and protection objectives

Road and trail use will be determined through a future park management planning process, which is not being evaluated as part of this project.

Medium positive or medium negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Recreation - general

The project area provides opportunities for outdoor recreation including camping, angling, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and nature appreciation.

The full extent of permitted recreational uses will be determined through the park management planning process, which is not being evaluated as part of this project.

Medium positive or medium negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Recreation - motorized vehicle use

The project area is used recreationally for off-road vehicles. There is an existing OFSC Snowmobile Trail that is adjacent to the project area but will not be included in the addition to Lake St. Peter Provincial Park.

An objective of the PPCRA is to provide ecologically sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. These activities will continue, but some restrictions may occur (e.g. off-road vehicles).

Medium positive or medium negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Recreation - hunting

Sport hunting occurs on lands associated with the project area, consistent with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (FWCA). Amendments to the FWCA will be proposed to allow hunting to continue on lands associated with the project area.

Sport hunting is currently allowed by regulation under the FWCA within the regulated boundary of Lake St. Peter Provincial Park.

Medium positive or medium negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Recreation - fishingRegulation of the boundary under the PPCRA will have no impacts on the recreational fishing opportunities that exist.No change

Adjacent or nearby uses

  • Private property
  • Recreation camps

The value and enjoyment of nearby private land may increase or decrease depending on the perspectives of individual persons. The regulation of the project area will not change allowable uses on private land.

The right of access will be maintained for legal interest holders requiring access across provincial park lands.

Work performed on provincial park land (e.g. road maintenance) by legal interest holders may require authorization.

Medium positive or medium negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.

Other land use and resource management criteria

  • Navigation
  • Resource management projects (commercial forestry and mining is covered down below)
  • Traffic patterns or traffic infrastructure
  • Creation of excessive waste materials
  • Commit a significant amount of a non-renewable resource (e.g., aggregates, agricultural land)
  • Noise levels
  • Views or aesthetics
  • Provincial or municipal land use policies, plans or planned development
No anticipated change.Nil
Social, cultural and economic
Social, cultural and economic criteriaWhat will change?Positive or negative change?
Cultural heritage resources

The AOO have identified the project area as having cultural and spiritual values.

Cultural heritage resources are afforded protection under the PPCRA as well as consideration under the Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties under the OHA.

Low positive
Local, regional, or provincial economies or businesses

Existing legal interests in lands associated with the project area may continue in accordance with provincial law and provisions outlined in Schedule 9.1.30 of the AIP. The addition contains portions of the following existing authorized legal interests:

  • 2 bear management areas
  • 3 registered trapline areas
  • 3 baitfish harvest areas
  • 1 sustainable forest licence area

The Municipality of Hastings Highlands currently receives a payment in lieu of taxes from the Province of Ontario for the existing Lake St. Peter Provincial Park. This payment will increase for the area that is being added to the existing park within the municipality. The Township of South Algonquin will also receive a payment for the portion of the project area that falls within that township.

Low positive
Community character, enjoyment of property, or local amenitiesRegulation of the project area under the PPCRA and future park management planning may result in restrictions or changes on the use of the project area lands (e.g. motorized vehicle restrictions or increased visitation).Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Increased demands on government services or infrastructure

No significant increases on services or existing infrastructure are anticipated specific to the regulation of the project area.

Additional financial resources may be required (e.g. to support future park operations, planning, monitoring, infrastructure and enforcement) for the project area, subject to future park management planning.

Low negative
Resource extraction activities - generalUnder the PPCRA, commercial timber harvest, generation of electricity, prospecting, staking mining claims, developing mineral interests or working mines, extraction of aggregates, topsoil or peat and other industrial uses are generally prohibited (section 16).Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Resource extraction activities - forestryThe project area is part of a Sustainable Forest Licence under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA). As per schedule 9.1.30 of the AIP, recommended lands will continue to be managed under the current forest management plan which will expire in March 2021. Following the expiry, an amendment to the sustainable forest licence will occur to remove the project area from the allowable harvest area within the licence.Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Resource extraction activities - mining

There are no mining interests (e.g., claims, leases) in the project area.

The project area has been withdrawn from prospecting, mining claim registration, sales and lease of any lands, according to section 35 of the Mining Act.

Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.

Other social, cultural, or economic

  • Displacing people, businesses, institutions, or public facilities
  • Public health and/or safety
  • Tourism values (e.g. resource-based tourist lodge)
No anticipated change.Nil

Appendix 2 – Summary of net environmental effects for the recommended Whiteduck Provincial Park

Natural environment
Natural environment criteriaWhat will change?Positive or negative change?

Natural heritage

  • Significant earth or life science features
  • Significant natural heritage features and areas
  • Wetland function
The recommended Whiteduck Provincial Park will protect a large area around Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve, including the regulated conservation reserve allowing for further protection of earth and life science features, as well as natural heritage feature, including wetlands, through the provisions of the PPCRA and associated regulations. The project area also borders Hungry Lake Conservation Reserve, improving ecological connectivity in the area.Low positive

Water protection

  • Water quality or quantity (ground or surface)
The project area contains lakes, wetlands and streams that will be afforded additional protections through the provisions of the PPCRA and associated regulations.Low positive

Fish and wildlife

  • Species at risk, or their habitat
  • Aquatic species, communities, or their habitat
  • Terrestrial wildlife, or their habitat

Several SAR are known to occur within the project area. These species and their habitat are currently protected under the ESA. Regulation of the project area under the PPCRA will afford additional protection to SAR and their habitat.

Regulation of the project area will offer enhanced protection to native fish and wildlife species and their habitats.

The maintenance of ecological integrity within provincial parks will inherently benefit native fish and wildlife.

Low positive
Connectivity and habitat linkages

The project area would absorb Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve and border Hungry Lake Conservation Reserve; together making a much larger and contiguous protected area (increased landscape connectivity and core area).

No industrial uses (e.g. timber harvest, aggregate extraction) will be allowed in the recommended park once regulated under the PPCRA, reducing fragmentation and habitat loss.

Low positive
Ecological integrityThe protection of ecological integrity is a key objective of the PPCRA (s. 2(1)1). Protection of ecological integrity is also identified in the AIP in Provision 9.1.2; specifically: “The Parties agree that the maintenance of Ecological Integrity will be the first priority in the management of Protected Areas in the Settlement Area.”Medium positive
Areas of high mineral potentialKnown mineral deposits exist in the project area. Regulation of the boundary will prohibit new prospecting, staking, mining claims, developing mineral interests or working mines, subject to the exceptions outlined in the PPCRA.Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that may be impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.

Other natural environment criteria

  • Air quality
  • Land subject to natural or human-made hazards (e.g. flood-prone areas)
  • Recovery of a species under a special management program
  • Soils and sediment quality
  • Drainage or flooding
  • Sedimentation or erosion
  • Release of contaminants in soils, sediments
  • Slope stability
No anticipated change.Nil
Land use and resource management
Land use and resource management criteriaWhat will change?Positive or negative change?
Park values

Provincial parks are established and managed to: protect natural and cultural values; provide for ecologically sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities and encourage associated economic benefits; provide opportunities for heritage appreciation; and to facilitate scientific research.

The project area would add approximately 10,800 hectares to the current total of 81,628.64 hectares of provincial parks and conservation reserves in Ecodistrict 5E-11 (a 13.2% increase) consistent with the objectives outlined in the PPCRA for provincial parks.

Medium positive
Access to trails or inaccessible areas

A regulation under the PPCRA provides mechanisms that give the Minister (or delegate) the ability to restrict or permit access by road, trail or portage within a provincial park.

Existing authorized roads and trails will continue unless they:

  • compromise health and safety
  • are inconsistent with conservation and protection objectives

Road and trail use will be determined through a future park management planning process, which is not being evaluated as part of this project.

Medium positive or medium negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Traffic patterns or traffic infrastructureThe establishment of the project area may result in some increase in traffic from new people choosing to explore the area, once it is regulated as a provincial park.Low negative
Recreation - general

The project area provides opportunities for outdoor recreation including camping, angling, boating, paddling, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and nature appreciation.

The project area is also used by holders of land use permits (i.e., recreation camps, access points and docks). Adjacent private properties and clientele from the three commercial lodges also access the area.

The full extent of permitted recreational uses will be determined through the future park management planning process, which is not being evaluated as part of the project.

Medium positive or medium negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Recreation - motorized vehicle use

The project area is used recreationally for off-road vehicles.

An objective of the PPCRA is to provide ecologically sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. These activities may continue as determined through a future park management planning process, which is not being evaluated as part of this project.

Medium positive or medium negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Recreation - huntingSport hunting occurs on lands associated with the project area, consistent with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act (FWCA). Amendments to the FWCA will be proposed to allow hunting to continue on lands associated with the project area.Medium positive or medium negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Recreation - fishingRegulation of the project area under the PPCRA will have no impacts on the recreational fishing opportunities that exist.No change

Adjacent or nearby uses

  • Private property
  • Recreation camps

The value and enjoyment of nearby private land may increase or decrease depending on the perspectives of individual persons. The regulation of the project area as a provincial park will not change allowable uses on private land.

The right of access will be maintained for legal interest holders requiring access across provincial park lands.

Work performed on provincial park land (e.g. road maintenance) by legal interest holders may require authorization.

Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.

Other land use and resource management criteria

  • Navigation
  • Resource management projects (commercial forestry and mining is covered down below)
  • Creation of excessive waste materials
  • Commit a significant amount of a non-renewable resource (e.g., aggregates, agricultural land)
  • Noise levels
  • Views or aesthetics
No anticipated change.Nil
Social, cultural and economic
Social, cultural and economic criteriaWhat will change?Positive or negative change?
Cultural heritage resources

The AOO have identified the project area as having cultural and spiritual values.

Cultural heritage resources are afforded protection under the PPCRA as well as consideration under the Standards and Guidelines for Conservation of Provincial Heritage Properties under the OHA.

Low positive
Local, regional, or provincial economies or businesses

Existing legal interests in lands associated with the project area may continue in accordance with provincial law and provisions outlined in Schedule 9.1.30 of the AIP.

The Township of North Frontenac maintains and operates campsites, roads and parking lot facilities on Crotch Lake and Big Gull Lake under the terms and conditions of two land use permits (i.e., one land use permit issued under the PLA for campsites on Crown land and the other land use permit issued under the PPCRA for campsites within Crotch Lake Conservation Reserve).

The project area also contains portions of the following existing authorized legal interests:

  • 1 bear management area
  • 2 registered trapline areas and 1 Crown land authorization
  • 4 baitfish harvest areas
  • 1 Sustainable Forest Licence area

There are also three private commercial lodges (i.e., patented property) that will be surrounded by the project area and will continue to use the lands and waters associated with the project area to support their business.

Approximately 80 hectares (198 acres) of patented Crown land is within the project area. The township will receive a payment in lieu of taxes for this land.

Medium positive
Community character, enjoyment of property or local amenitiesRegulation of the project area under the PPCRA and future park management planning may result in restrictions or changes on the use of the project area lands (e.g. motorized vehicle restrictions or increased visitation).Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Increased demands on government services or infrastructure

Increased demands on government services or infrastructure associated with the project area are unknown at this time, however, may be affected by the operational status of the park and decisions to be determined through a future park management planning process, which is not being evaluated as part of this project.

Additional financial resources will be required to support planning, monitoring/compliance and any future park operations to be determined through future park management planning.

Low negative
Public health and/or safetyThe establishment of the project area as a provincial park may result in more use, and therefore increased risk to public health and/or safety as a result of people exploring the area. The nature of backcountry recreation has inherent health and safety risks (e.g. inclement weather, getting lost) that visitors will be exposed to. The area is already a popular recreational destination and therefore the increased risk is expected to be minimal.Low negative
Tourism values (e.g., resource-based tourist lodge)

The full extent of the impact on tourism values is dependent on a future park management planning process, which is not being evaluated as part of the project.

There are three commercial tourism lodges on the shores of Crotch Lake. From a tourism perspective, a park designation would be expected to have a positive effect on these businesses as tourists may prefer the opportunity to recreate in a provincial park.

The project area will likely attract more people interested in pursuing outdoor recreational activities with economic benefits accruing to local businesses.

Low positive
Resource extraction activities - generalUnder the PPCRA, commercial timber harvest, generation of electricity, prospecting, staking mining claims, developing mineral interests or working mines, extraction of aggregates, topsoil or peat and other industrial uses are generally prohibited (section 16).Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Resource extraction activities - forestryThe project area is part of a Sustainable Forest Licence under the CFSA. As per Schedule 9.1.30 of the AIP, recommended lands will continue to be managed under the current forest management plan which will expire in March 2021. Following the expiry, an amendment to the sustainable forest licence will occur to remove the project area from the allowable harvest area within the licence.Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.
Resources extraction activities - mining

There are no mining interests (e.g., claims, leases) in the project area.

The project area has been withdrawn from prospecting, mining claim registration, sales and lease of any lands, according to section 35 of the Mining Act.

Low positive or low negative depending on the individual that is impacted by the restrictions and/or permissions put in place.

Other social, cultural, or economic criteria

  • Displacing people, businesses, institutions or public facilities
No anticipated change.Nil

Related links

The Algonquin land claim

Algonquin Land Claim - Additions to Ontario’s Provincial Park System

Algonquin land claim - environmental evaluation report