Go-ThereTo

29/05/2021

Super Great News for all of us who love Ontario Parks!!! New $$$ announced for New Things!

Quote: "develop innovative ideas for new recreation experiences at provincial parks, with the best ideas receiving support through seed money"

Perfect for , , - We'll be asking MECP to team up and deliver low-cost no-turn-away camping for Bikepackers, Bicycle Travellers and Bicycle Tourists!!!

https://news.ontario.ca/en/backgrounder/1000218/ontario-investing-in-enhancements-and-upgrades-to-provincial-parks

29/05/2021

https://lfpress.com/news/local-news/ontario-parks-offering-free-day-passes-all-summer-long

Provincial parks are giving a financial break for nature lovers, just in time for summer.

09/05/2021

We're excited to tell you that On May 4th MECP officially acknowledged receipt of our Open Letter and confirmed that a reply will be sent as soon as possible. Will it be good news for Ontario Cyclists and Ontario Parks??? Will our dreams of Bikepacking Provincial Parks be denied??? Stay Tuned to Find Out!!!

09/04/2021

An Open Letter to the Honourable Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

April 9, 2021

Dear Mr. Yurek,

Quebec has delivered a brilliant and sustainable success with their “Bienvenue Cyclistes” program, offering designated areas for bicycle camping in their National Parks.

We’re reaching out to the Ministry and to Ontario Parks on behalf of Ontario’s cyclists, Bikepackers and bicyle travellers for a program of our own.

Question: What does a solo Bikepacker have in common with a family in a motorhome?
Answer: They are both trying to reserve the same campsite at a Provincial Park in Ontario!

Bicycle camping has surged in popularity. Cyclists use high-end camping gear that’s lightweight and compact; they arrive late one day and leave early the next; their footprint is small. Bikepackers don’t want to take up a large campsite for an overnight stay that might be better used by an Airstream or Winnebago for a weekend or longer.

The concept is simple and can be realized in a way that suits Ontario Parks and the Ministry. There are no incremental operational costs, no additional infrastructure or staffing requirements. Bicycle visitors can use existing facilities.

Mr. Yurek, we are counting on you to ensure that action is taken. Ontario Parks has heard this request before. We can avoid words like Reticence, let alone Hubris. Please respond with a clear declaration of intent from the Ministry and Ontario Parks.

Sincerely,

John Lashmar
Go-ThereTo
Kawartha Highlands

06/04/2021

We're teaming up with Big Lucky Media on a mission for all the BikePackers and bicycle travellers of Ontario: it's time for Cycle Sites at Ontario Parks.

We know Ontario has the best network of provincial parks in the world. Let's help them to accommodate cyclists! Typical bicycle travellers arrive late, pitch a tent, eat, sleep, and pedal away at first light. Our needs are few and our footprint is small. We don't need a campsite designed for a motorhome.

Cycle-ThereTo (Go-ThereTo) and Big Lucky Media are reaching out to our friends at Ontario Parks and the Ontario government to recommend a pilot program. Stay Tuned! Please provide your support by Following Big Lucky Media - we will need your voices!

04/04/2021

Would-be campers have had a frustrating spring trying to book camping sites at Ontario Parks, especially given the number of people looking for the outdoor getaways. A recent ad on Kijiji offering bot bookings begs the question: is someone reserving a bunch of sites to make a profit?