St. Lawrence Parks Commission Sets the Stage for the Future with $82.2M Infrastructure Investment

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) is about to embark on one of the biggest infrastructure projects in its history, thanks to a major $82.2 million commitment from the Ontario government. This investment will modernize critical water and wastewater systems across the Parks of the St. Lawrence and other SLPC sites in Eastern Ontario, paving the way for stronger operations, better visitor experiences, and long-term sustainability.

The announcement came on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Mille Roches Beach and Day Use Area. The Honourable Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, shared the news alongside local partners and officials.

This funding is set to replace aging systems with new infrastructure that meets today’s standards, ensuring that SLPC can continue to grow while protecting the natural assets that draw thousands of visitors each year.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Mille Roches modernized the same way we revitalized Brown’s Bay, a place where families can enjoy cleaner, more accessible, and better-equipped facilities,” said The Honourable Bob Runciman, C.M., O. Ont., Chair of the SLPC Board of Commissioners. “This investment gives us the tools to upgrade critical infrastructure and improve the overall guest experience across our parks. I’m proud of the progress we’re making and the partnerships helping us get there.”

The multi-year project, delivered in partnership with Infrastructure Ontario, Colliers Project Leaders, and the municipalities of South Dundas and South Stormont, will start by decommissioning 30 septic systems, two sewage lagoons, and 27 drinking water systems. These will be replaced with new municipal water and sewer connections serving Long Sault, Ingleside, and the Morrisburg area.

Visitors can also look forward to improvements at five of SLPC’s most popular campgrounds — Mille Roches, McLaren, Woodlands, Riverside-Cedar, and Crysler — along with upgrades to The Family Lodge, Upper Canada Village, Upper Canada Golf Course, and Crysler Park Marina. New facilities, including a modern washroom and canteen at Mille Roches Beach and a new washroom on Snetsinger Island, will further enhance the visitor experience.

“Our strategic plan made it clear, investing in our infrastructure is investing in our future,” said Hollee Kew, General Manager and CEO of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. “We’ve already completed essential upgrades at Brown’s Bay Beach, addressed major electrical needs at our Morrisburg campus, and are preparing to open a new Eco Comfort Hub at Glengarry Campground. This next step is about securing our foundation and ensuring the long-term vitality of our parks.”

Altogether, this $82.2 million project is part of over $120 million in infrastructure improvements SLPC has undertaken since launching its 2021–2026 Strategic Plan. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2025, starting with the new municipal connections and new facilities at Mille Roches, and will continue over the next four years.

With this investment, SLPC and its partners are laying the groundwork for a new era of sustainable, guest-focused tourism infrastructure — one that will keep these beloved Eastern Ontario parks thriving for generations to come.