Beausoleil enters five-year partnership to operate Springwater Provincial Park

July 9, 2015
Chief Roland Monague of Beausoleil First Nation, Sandy White and Scott Thomas of the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry signed a formal agreement that outlines the partnership in a signing ceremony at Springwater Park on July 3, 2015. The Beausoleil First Nation Council and employees of the new partnership were on hand to witness the event.
Chief Roland Monague of Beausoleil First Nation, Sandy White and Scott Thomas of the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry signed a formal agreement that outlines the partnership in a signing ceremony at Springwater Park on July 3, 2015. The Beausoleil First Nation Council and employees of the new partnership were on hand to witness the event.

Beausoleil First Nation is working with the Government of Ontario to operate Springwater Provincial Park and provide visitors with picnic areas, walking trails and recreational day-use activities.

Springwater Provincial Park is located within the traditional territory of Beausoleil First Nation. Ontario and the Beausoleil First Nation have embarked on this journey to develop a relationship based on mutual respect, sharing and the principles of recognition and reconciliation.

Under the five-year partnership, from 2015 to 2019, Beausoleil First Nation will operate Springwater Provincial Park for day-use. Beausoleil First Nation will be responsible for staffing, maintenance and operation of the park with the goal of increasing visitation rates and revenue.

In September 2012, the Ontario government made the difficult decision to change the status of Springwater Provincial Park from operating to non-operating because of low visitation and financial losses.

Springwater Provincial Park is a day-use park, located near Barrie, and offers 12 kilometres of hiking trails, picnic facilities and a large playing field.

The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs is providing support over the next three years through the Aboriginal Economic Development Fund for Beausoleil First Nation to operate Springwater Provincial Park.

“I would like to congratulate all parties on the fact that Springwater Provincial Park will once again be operational. This will allow all those who would like to an opportunity to enjoy all the day use activities in this park”

— Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry

“Ndi g’chi mnwendaan gwa Ontario mishkowendamwaat miinwaa gaye dibewgendandaawaat Anishinaabeg pwane gii kawaabjiwaat maa ki’iing.”

— Chief Roland Monague, Beausoleil First Nation