A London MPP is calling on Ontario Liberals to nix parking fees at Komoka Provincial Park.

New Democrat Peggy Sattler is collecting signatures for a petition she will present at Queen’s Park.

The London West MPP raised the issue Monday, calling the government’s move to charge visitors for parking a “cash grab” that will affect community well-being.

“They’re looking under any rock they can find to cobble together revenue and this is the wrong way to do that,” Sattler said Tuesday.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry introduced the fees — $5.25 for two hours, $14.50 for a full day — on Aug. 1. A full-year pass, which covers all provincial parks, is $175.

The fees have faced a backlash from park-goers, many vowing to stop visiting the hiking trails.

“It’s hard to see these fees as anything other than a cash grab, likely to get bigger each year given the Liberal government’s decision to index government fees to inflation,” said Sattler, adding the cost makes the park unaffordable for many people.

About 90,000 people a year visit Komoka. With no bus routes or designated bike lanes to the park, most visitors get there by driving.

Beth de Souza, 24, went to the park four times a week until parking fees came into effect. Taking long walks on the trails, away from the city’s noise, helped her deal with her anxiety, she said.

“In my opinion, we should be encouraging everybody to get outside as much as possible and enjoy the community and the nature that we’re privileged to have in Canada,” said de Souza.

While de Souza said she isn’t opposed to some parks charging fees for maintenance, she questioned the need at Komoka.

“There isn’t really a need for upkeep,” she said, adding she often sees visitors picking up trash. “It just feels like a money grab.”



Paige Mol walks her golden retriever Harley past a parking payment machine at the entrance to Komoka Provincial Park in London, Ont. on Tuesday November 15, 2016. Spurred on by complaints from constituents, London-West MPP Peggy Sattler brought up the newly introduced pay-to-park scheme in session at Queens Park this week, urging the Liberal government to reinstitute free parking at the park located west of London. (CRAIG GLOVER, The London Free Press)

Under a management plan approved in 2010, a new parking area was built on Komoka Road. A second lot on Gideon Drive was moved further east, where waterless toilets were installed. The park was outfitted with signs highlighting the plants, animals and other environmental features. Total cost of the improvements has been estimated at $170,000.

Ministry spokesperson Karen Passmore said pay-and-display metres were installed to recover costs of upgrades and park maintenance.

“The Ontario Parks system is largely funded through user fees. The money visitors pay for services in Ontario Parks stays in Ontario Parks,” she said in an email.

Avid hiker Paige Mol, 20, has also scaled back her visits to the park since paid parking was introduced.

“It’s a little ridiculous. It should be free,” Mol said while walking her four-year-old Golden Retriever, Harley, Tuesday.

Sattler said many of her London West constituents have contacted her to complain about the parking fees, prompting her to launch the petition, which is available at peggysattler.ca/petition.

She drew on the story of long-distance runner Lanni Marchant, the London Olympian who trains by running the Komoka trails, to showcase the park’s importance to the community.

dcarruthers@postmedia.com

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