Short Hills Provincial Park to Host First Nation Deer Harvest

Press Release

Ontario Honouring Treaty Rights of Local First Nation Communities

October 26, 2016

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Short Hills Provincial Park will be closed to the public November 19 and 20, November 26 and 27 and December 1 and 2, 2016 for a First Nation deer harvest. The harvest will begin one half-hour before sunrise and end one half-hour after sunset.

First Nation harvesters will use archery equipment and follow mandatory safety protocols.

The harvest will take place in the southern portion of the park, which has the fewest trails. Park staff will be monitoring access points to make the public aware that the park is closed for public safety.

Ontario respects Aboriginal and treaty rights, as recognized and affirmed under the Constitution Act, 1982, and is committed to meeting the province’s constitutional and other obligations regarding Indigenous peoples.

For more information about the harvest call Melanie Milczynski, Ontario Parks Acting Southwest Zone Manager, at 519-873-4616.

Quick Facts

• Short Hills Provincial Park is located approximately four kilometres southwest of St. Catharines, along the Niagara Escarpment.
• For many First Nation communities in Ontario, hunting is a traditional activity that is recognized as an Aboriginal or treaty right. The harvested deer will be used by the local First Nation community.
• In past years, First Nation deer harvests have been held in The Pinery and Rondeau provincial parks.

Media Contacts

Media calls only: Emily Kirk
Minister’s Office
416-314-2206

Media calls only: Media Desk
Communications Services Branch
416-314-2106

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