We will no longer be supporting IE7 and below as a web browser effective June 1st 2020. Click here for more information.

Sign In

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Skip Navigation LinksLake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority > Media Release: Conservation Areas Closed

​Effective Immediately, All Conservation Areas Closed to the Public 

​Newmarket - March 24, 2020 – Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) has made the difficult decision to temporarily close all 19 conservation areas effective immediately. For your safety, please do not visit these areas as they will not be maintained until further notice. 

“If anyone understands and appreciates the importance of nature and getting outside, it’s the staff at conservation authorities. We have not made this decision lightly, but we are doing what is in the best interest of our watershed community”, says Brian Kemp, General Manager of Conservation Lands. “With the trails not being monitored for hazards like falling or fallen trees, we cannot ensure visitor safety. We have no choice. It’s a matter of public safety.” adds Brian. 

We ask that the public respect these closures and stay out of all conservation areas, including Scanlon Creek in Bradford, Thornton Bales in King, Rogers Reservoir in East Gwillimbury, Whitchurch in Stouffville, Sheppard’s Bush in Aurora, Beaver River Wetlands between Uxbridge and Cannington, as well as Durham Regional Forest which is south and west of Uxbridge. 

View the full list of which properties are included in the closure

​What you can still do: 

  • ​If you have a yard, you can still get outside and enjoy it 
  • You can still go for walks in your neighbourhood, ensuring you keep the minimum distance of 6 feet from others 
  • You can still open a window, even if just a crack, and enjoy some fresh air 
  • You can still be social by calling or emailing your friends, families and neighbours 
  • You can visit your local library online, which has access to lots of learning and other online resources. 

For regular updates, visit www.LSRCA.on.ca/COVID-19 or check our social media channels (Facebook or Instagram​for information about other activities you can participate in.

​​​​​​​​​It is the mission of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to collaborate, protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed with innovative research, policy and action.

-30-

Media Contact:
Katarina Zeppieri
Corporate Communications
Lake Simcoe Region Conse​rvation Authority
Phone: 905-895-1281, ext. 116
Toll Free: 1-800-465-0437
Mobile: 289-763-4281
Email: k.zeppieri@lsrca.on.ca​

[ Back to all Media Releases​ ]