Camping Restriction

No Camping in the Municipality of Port Hope during the Trout Fishing Opening Weekend

The Municipality of Port Hope is advising residents and visitors that overnight camping will not be permitted in Optimist Park and Cavan Street Park during the Spring trout fishing opening weekend, April 24 and 25, 2021.

Last year, the Municipality amended the Parks By-law to prohibit camping at Optimist Park and Cavan Street Park in the case of a declared emergency, or when social distancing measures are in place.

“We are implementing the clause in our Parks By-law, which prohibits camping again this year, to discourage out-of-town anglers from travelling to Port Hope to fish in the Ganaraska River while the pandemic remains a concern,” notes Bob Sanderson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “We sincerely hope that we will be able to welcome anglers and accommodate overnight camping once again next year.”

Access to municipal properties that border the Ganaraska River remains open at this time, however, land restrictions may be implemented at the discretion of municipal senior staff. Additionally, the fish cleaning station, located at the bottom of Mill Street South, remains closed until further notice.

“The Municipality continues to liaise with the local Health Unit and residents and visitors should be prepared for changes to our municipal land access at a moment’s notice,” continues Mayor Sanderson. “Prohibiting access to public property is not ideal, but we will act accordingly in the interest of public safety, if needed.”

Anglers are reminded that social distancing measures, as directed by the Provincial Government, remain in effect and that group gathering restrictions are in place. More information about the status of COVID-19 impacts to the Municipality of Port Hope can be found on the COVID-19 web page.