September marks the start of school and fall but also a change coming to some Quinte Conservation areas.
As of September 1st, there will now be paid parking at 13 conservation areas and five boat launches.
General Manager Terry Murphy says, “The cost to take care of these areas is quite significant, so Quinte Conservation staff will continue to search for grants and host fundraising events (similar to the ones supporting the Frink Ecology Wetland Boardwalk) in order to continue repairing and replacing aging structures.”
Frequent visitors are encouraged to purchase an annual pass for $50.00. The annual pass allows access to all 13 areas with paid parking for the duration of one year from date of purchase. Avid boaters can purchase an annual boat launch pass for $60.00 for access to all 5 boat launches with fees.
Without the annual the pass, the cost to park at any of the 13 conservation areas with paid parking is $5 per day. The day pass allows visitors to access any of those conservation areas from dawn until dusk, and includes the opportunity to visit multiple areas within that period. The same format applies for the daily boat launch fee of $6 per day.
The MacKay Pay app allows visitors to pay on site for parking or purchase an annual pass using their phone. Visitors can also pay online before their visit at MacKayPay.com, through credit card by calling the office during regular operating hours, or by stopping in the office during regular operating hours.
Murphy adds, “We acknowledge that the smartphone app may not work for everyone however, it is the most cost effective way for us to roll out this program. We want to ensure that we can invest the most we can in these areas. We are providing visitors an option to purchase by phone, website, or by visiting us at our office to pay in whatever form works for them.”
For a full list of Quinte Conservation areas and boat launches requiring MacKay Pay, visit QuinteConservation.ca.
