Paid parking coming to Windy Ridge, Pigeon River, and Durham East Cross Forest

SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 – Visitors to Windy Ridge Conservation Area, Pigeon River Headwaters and Durham East Cross Forest will all be contributing to the increasing maintenance and upkeep costs when a new paid parking system goes into effect September 16.

Visitors will be charged $4 per day plus HST, or $84.75 for an annual parking pass (a Seniors Annual Pass for those 65 and older is $67.80), with all payments made via mobile app. Purchasing one annual pass allows the permit holder to visit any of the conservation areas within the Kawartha Conservation watershed, including Ken Reid Conservation Area.

“During the last few years, we have experienced a dramatic increase in the number of conservation area visitors, and that increase in traffic comes with increased costs for maintenance,” explained Kristie Virgoe, Director of Stewardship and CA Lands. “We have additional costs for garbage pickup, for washrooms, for infrastructure, including the new bridge installed at Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area.

“You can’t have a destination without the types of amenities that visitors need and expect, and our conservation areas are very much destinations for a growing audience,” Virgoe continued. “The increased parking revenue will help support the additional costs for staff time and infrastructure enhancements while providing a valued destination for residents and visitors.”

Paid parking has been in place at Ken Reid Conservation Area for several years; revenue that directly supports ongoing maintenance and upgrades, including the off-leash dog park, pavilions, boardwalk maintenance and repairs, trail clearing, signage, road maintenance and snow clearing.

“Since the onset of Covid-19, we have seen a great number of visitors coming to our natural areas, green spaces and conservation areas,” explained Kawartha Conservation Board of Directors Chair Andy Letham. “Many of those visitors are residents who enjoy visiting these natural gems; Others are coming from outside the watershed and experiencing some of the amazing places we have to offer locally.

“As a Board of Directors and an organization, we want to ensure that visitors are having an enjoyable, memorable experience at these fantastic conservation areas,” Mr. Letham continued. “These parking fees will help provide the necessary funds to continue investing in the maintenance and further development of these important areas.”

Visitors will need to download the Passport Parking app and create an account to register, and once complete, will be able to select their zone, including:

• Ken Reid Conservation Area – 3181
• Durham East Cross Forest Conservation Area – 3182
• Pigeon River Headwaters Conservation Area – 3183
• Windy Ridge Conservation Area – 3184

Alternatively, visitors planning to visit one of the conservation areas can go to Passportca.com and create their account and pay before arriving.

“We want to be able to keep providing a valuable and rewarding experience for our visitors in nature,” said Virgoe. “The funds collected from users visiting our conservation areas will be integral to meeting the growing demands of increased visitors and supporting and maintaining the infrastructure and trails that continue to drive their popularity.”

The new parking fee structure will begin on September 16, 2022.