Prince Edward County Committee of the Whole heard a summer season update from Curt Morris, Park Superintendent of Sandbanks Provincial Park, on Thursday.

Superintendent Morris reported that overall interest in the park is still quite popular with visitors to the county, and that the online reservation system which was created during the earlier pandemic years is here to stay. Morris also stressed that it is advisable for visitors to print a hard copy of their reservation confirmation, so that they can take advantage of the park’s bypass lanes (though park staff are working on implementing a digital solution).

When asked by committee about whether the park is planning on expanding parking, Morris responded that the current plan is to focus on renewing septic system infrastructure if funds are received from the province. He also highlighted that those walking or cycling into the park still count for park capacity, as those visitors still use park facilities. Additionally, Morris emphasized that the park administration has a mandate to protect the area’s natural features and sensitive areas.

The park actively encourages spur-of-the-moment visitors to visit the county’s many other special parks and places when turned away because of park capacity reasons.

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