Statement from Mayor Foster regarding the closure of North Lake Provincial Park.
The Municipality of Lakeland Ridges was not informed prior to the provincial budget’s release, when we learned indirectly that funding for the park had been cut. This decision represents a significant loss for our rural community.
As our largest tourist attraction, North Lake Provincial Park has long been the heart of our local summer economy, supporting seasonal jobs and drawing visitors to our area. Its closure will have an immediate and lasting impact on local businesses, youth employment, and community wellbeing. The loss of public beach access is especially troubling, as this space has been a cornerstone for family recreation and community gathering.
It is particularly disheartening that this decision comes only four years after the park’s re-opening, following substantial Provincial investment to terminate a lease with a youth organization, construct a new youth facility, and upgrade the beach and park infrastructure. The Province’s commitment at that time gave our community confidence in the park’s future—a confidence that now feels misplaced.
I can assure you that we are taking steps to get answers as to why this has happened. A request has been sent to Hon. Premier Holt requesting a meeting to discuss this matter further.
We will keep the public informed as more information becomes available.
Mayor Leonard Foster
Lakeland Ridges