Keep camping affordable for Ontario families: MPP Arnott

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington – Halton Hills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2011

Keep camping affordable for Ontario families: MPP Arnott
(Queen’s Park) – Ontario campgrounds are struggling to break free from Liberal red tape, and that
will mean extra costs for Ontario families, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott. In a
statement today in the Ontario Legislature, he blasted the McGuinty government for making
camping more expensive. Mr. Arnott’s remarks were as follows:

“Mr. Speaker:

“Every summer, many Ontario families go camping. Year after year, they find it an enjoyable activity
synonymous with summer, sun and relaxation.

“And at a time of increasing strain on household budgets, camping remains, for most families, a
relatively affordable way to spend their vacation.

“But for how long? Campgrounds are struggling to cope with the current regulatory burden.
Consequently, they face mounting costs to implement the changes needed to comply with Liberal
red tape.

“From septic systems required to be twice the size that’s necessary, to lack of consultation from the
Ministry of the Environment, to inconsistent policy from Hydro One, to the onerous Propane
Regulation 440/08, to lack of access to financing, many campgrounds are struggling.

“And they wonder if this government is listening. As critic to the Minister of Tourism and Culture, I
was pleased to meet with representatives from Camping in Ontario, who were here yesterday at
Queen’s Park.

“They do an outstanding job speaking up for their membership.

“In September I wrote on behalf of Camping in Ontario to the Minister of Consumer Services. I said
I was concerned by the potentially harmful effect that Propane Regulation 440/08 could have on
campgrounds and the Ontario tourism industry.

“I sincerely hope the Ministers of Consumer Services and Tourism will start listening.

“As we approach the camping season, we need this government to pay attention and help keep
camping affordable for families.”

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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org