'Significant tree damage' from Saturday's storm closes conservation areas in York, Durham until further notice

"We are working diligently on repairs, which include the use of heavy equipment and chain saws therefore it is important the public stay away for their own safety and to allow us to do this work," an agency spokesperson said Tuesday, May 24

Yorkregion.com
May 25, 2022
Heidi Riedner

The weather system that swept through Southern Ontario on Saturday afternoon has resulted in significant tree damage in a number of conservation areas in the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority watershed.

As a result, the following conservation areas are closed to the public effective immediately:

Durham Region Forest -- all tracts
Pangman Springs (Kennedy Road entrance)
Whitchurch
Thornton Bales

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is asking people to stay away from these locations until further notice.

"We are working diligently on repairs, which include the use of heavy equipment and chainsaws therefore it is important the public stay away for their own safety and to allow us to do this work," an agency spokesperson said Tuesday, May 24.

"We know how important these natural areas are to residents and will do our best to get them open, but safety is our priority at this time."

Updates will be provided when they become available.