OTTAWA - The federal government could reverse a decision to cut the operating hours of national parks, historic sites and canals run by Parks Canada.
Under tight budget constraints, Parks Canada announced in April that it would cut the hours of operation at national parks and historic sites, in some case by up to half.
But after talks with municipal leaders and businesses in or around the sites, Environment Minister Peter Kent suggests that decision could be reversed or scaled back.
A spokesman for the minister says no decisions have been made, although Adam Sweet says Kent is actively listening to those who would be negatively affected by the cuts.
The move to cut hours has already been pushed back to next spring.
The minister also spoke openly this week about businesses just outside national sites getting a "free ride" by not paying the franchise fees paid by those firms operating within the parks.
But Sweet says Kent is not advocating for new commercial fees.
