Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) is struggling with visitors not properly disposing of their waste.
Tim Lanthier, CAO of GSCA says during recent COVID restrictions the conservation authority decided to keep its washrooms closed, as per provincial guidelines, which has caused increased waste being left behind.
“We tried not opening the washrooms and we tried to do a lot of public messaging. It was not super successful,” he said. “Unfortunately, people were leaving garbage on the site and people were not planning their trips accordingly.”
In an effort to improve the situation, Lanthier reports GSCA has installed additional portable toilets at a number of its sites, including Inglis Falls, Eugenia Falls, Cristie Beach, Spirit Rock and Bruce Caves.
“These facilities are generally at Inglis and Eugenia every year, but we have added a few more this year and I think this will go a long way towards making the parks better received and more functional,” Lanthier says.
Along with increased washroom facilities, the conservation authority has also increased staff numbers.
“Two more park attendants will be working at Hibou and Inglis Falls. We also have two park maintenance labour staff that we are moving forward with hiring immediately,” he adds.
The additional staff will allow for increased sanitation at high-traffic sites, and allow GSCA to have one attendant positioned at Inglis and Eugenia Falls, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Lanthier says GSCA was able to add the additional staff thanks to the Canada Summer Job Program, which sees the federal government pay the minimum wage cost for those staff.
“Every year we apply for Canada Summer Job Programs to bring on young people between the ages of 15 and 30 who are looking for work in our field,” he adds.
Those visiting GSCA properties are asked to be mindful of their impact on conservation lands.
“We are asking visitors to do their part to make sure natural spaces stay clean and safe for everyone to enjoy,” said Vicki Rowsell, programs and communications planner with GSCA. “This is important for both human visitors and the wildlife that call these conservation areas home.”
