Accessible Ontario camp may face closure, despite petition to keep it open

Operations at a unique, accessible camp for the people with disabilities may be suspended this summer, despite a petition with more than 20,000 signatures calling to keep the Northern Ontario facility open.

The Wilderness Discovery Resort is a barrier-free camp located about 45 minutes away from Thunder Bay, Ont. Perched on shores of Lake Shebandowan, the resort features accessible cabins, a conference centre and space for campers with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors.

"We can fish, or go boating, or just sit there and watch the foxes run around. It’s just fabulous," Kevin Johnson, a Wilderness Discovery Resort regular, said.

Johnson said he and his wife travel to Wilderness Discovery Resort twice a year with Kirk, a paralyzed veteran for whom the couple cares. Johnson said the resort is a small haven in a world that often isn't tailored to Kirk’s needs.

That's why he said he was shocked to learn that the lease for the property ended in July 2013.

The Handicapped Action Group Inc., more commonly known as HAGI, currently rents the camp’s land from Infrastructure Ontario.

Johnson started an online petition two months ago, calling on the Ontario government to "Save the Wilderness Discovery Resort" by donating the land to HAGI. So far, more than 20,000 people have signed the petition.

But even if the petition reaches its goal of 25,000 signatures, HAGI Executive Director David Shannon said it is unlikely the resort can remain open over the long-term. Shannon told CTVNews.ca that HAGI's board is considering suspending operations as early as this summer.

The camp's season typically begins in May, and Shannon said HAGI will review what to do about a number of people, including Johnson, who have already made reservations for the 2015 season.

"I understand this gentleman's passion. He’s been to that camp and appreciates what an extraordinary opportunity this is," Shannon said. "(But) from our perspective, there is no question that (given) the current state of affairs, we cannot operate there."

Even if a new lease could be signed or the land were donated, operating costs have become unsustainable, Shannon said.

"The land itself -- to rent or purchase -- is beyond our reach. But the other dilemma is we have operating expenses."

Even operating under a "barebones budget," Shannon said it costs about $200,000 a year to operate the Wilderness Discovery Resort.

However, if the camp were to close, Shannon said HAGI is committed to continuing to offer outdoor recreation opportunities for people with disabilities.

"Due to the current reality of all the costs going up, we may have to move to providing a 'wilderness experience,' " Shannon said.

This could include facilitating accessible, outdoor trips using HAGI’s wheelchair-accessible bus, accessible tents and trailers, he said. The organization also has access to accessible boats.

Shannon said HAGI has been in talks with the government to try and work out alternative programming and funding for such programs. Infrastructure Ontario spokesperson Ian McConachie confirmed in an emailed statement that "discussions are currently ongoing with HAGI on next steps."

Shannon said the situation is "evolving," adding that he appreciates the support of everybody who has signed the petition.

And if the Discovery Wilderness Resort shuts its doors, he said he hopes people will continue to support recreational opportunities for people with disabilities, in part by giving HAGI feedback on future programming.

"We would like to reach out to all of those individuals (who signed the petition) and ask them: 'What do you want for your so-called wilderness experience?' " he said. "I think that's a sign of the sense of urgency there is to provide recreational opportunities for people with disabilities."