News

$4.75 Million to Repair Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park

The province will transform storm-damaged park into a four-season destination that enhances tourism, creates jobs, and connects people to nature and learning

MATTAWA – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that the Ontario government is investing $4.75 million to help repair Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. This transformation follows extensive damage caused by a severe storm in June 2025. The investment will create a vibrant, year-round destination for campers, hikers, students, and educators, while increasing tourism and the local economy.

“The storm that Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park experienced this summer was intense and has left a lasting, devastating impact on the natural environment. As a result, the park’s closure has negatively impacted the staff of Ontario parks and the people who visit this area for camping and outdoor excursions. We’re proud that the Ontario government is responding with an investment of $4.75 million to help regenerate this site,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “The cleanup work has been extensive, and as we can see today, there is still plenty more to be completed. Once revitalized, the park will offer year-round activities and once again be a contributing factor to the local economy.”

The storm toppled tens of thousands of trees, damaged infrastructure and vehicles, and forced the park’s closure. The Canadian Ecology Centre (CEC), a non-profit environmental education and research facility located within the park, was also severely affected. Since then, Ontario Parks has prioritized recovery efforts to ensure safe access and prepare the park for revitalization. This ongoing work includes removing hazardous trees, restoring electrical service, repairing infrastructure, and stabilizing the site.

The revitalized park will feature a new visitor hub with educational exhibits, a park store, and equipment rentals. Additionally, the operating season will be extended to offer winter activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, thereby attracting visitors year-round and supporting regional tourism.

To help restore biodiversity and strengthen the park’s long-term resilience, Ontario Parks is also planting 500 native trees, including white pine, bur oak, and red maple, through the Species Conservation Program in partnership with Forests Canada. This first phase of reforestation will help rebuild habitat for species at risk and improve ecological health, with more restoration to follow.

Together, these efforts will enhance the regional economy by creating jobs, engaging local contractors, and supporting nearby communities in their recovery from the financial impact of the park’s closure. Once complete, the revitalized Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park will serve as a model for resilient greenspace development, blending conservation, recreation, and education.

Quick Facts

• Established in 1967, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park spans over 6,300 acres (2,550 hectares) along the historic Mattawa River, part of the Canadian Heritage River System.
• The park is home to diverse plant and animal life, including species at risk such as Canada Warbler, Eastern Whip-poor-will, and Blandings Turtle.
• Following a powerful downburst storm on June 21, 2025, emergency responders and park staff safely evacuated approximately 300 campers. Cleanup crews, including the Algonquin Forestry Authority, began recovery efforts within days.
• The Canadian Ecology Centre includes educational buildings, 34 cabins and meeting spaces. Since 1999, the CEC has hosted thousands of students, educators and researchers for hands-on environmental education and professional development.
• The Species Conservation Program provides up to $20 million annually to support on-the-ground projects that help preserve species at risk and their habitats. Applications for the 2026-2027 program are open until November 27, 2025, at 3 p.m. through the Transfer Payment Ontario.