Kejimkujik National Park is undergoing major renovations in 2020, which will mean the closure of hundreds of front country campsites for the year.
But Keji’s site superintendent, says Parks Canada, has partnered with the North Queens Board of Trade and Region of Queens, to mitigate the economic impact in North Queens.
Jonathan Sheppard says they’ve been reaching out to local campgrounds about increasing their capacity, as well as residents who may be interested in opening their own campground.
“The North Queens area is already such a gateway and such a destination for people to come to have wilderness and nature experiences that if there are more camping opportunities in the area, the more the better so we would be very supportive of that beyond 2020.”
He says they’re also partnering with restaurants.
“We’re looking to do what’s called the Parks Canada Perfect Picnic with the idea that local restaurants would provide pre-boxed lunches and that we would promote those lunches combined with day hiking at the park.”
Sheppard says the upgrades to Keji will have long lasting postive impacts in the area.
Meanwhile, Queens Mayor David Dagley says they have heard some worry from residents about the closure of front country camping.
But he’s pleased with how proactive Parks Canada has been in dealing with the possible economic impacts of the closure.
Richard Lane with the municipality’s economic development department has been helping people interested in developing their own campgrounds.
“He’s been helping them navigate provincial departments and other regulations and such to provide camping in 2020.”
Dagley says the upgrades being done to Keji are greatly needed and he believes will mean more visitors in the future.
Story by Brittany Wentzell
Twitter: @BrittWentzell
Email: wentzell.brittany@radioabl.ca
