Long Point closes all campgrounds for the first time due to flooding

For the first time ever, Long Point Provincial Park has closed all four of its campgrounds due to flooding.

Ontario Parks staff closed Cottonwood campground onSunday after weekend rainfall flooded several sites and roadways. The water levels at the park on the northwest shore of Lake Erienear Port Rowan, Ont.,are between five and 10 inches high.

Park Superintendent Jeff Pickersgill said Long Point has never closed a campground since it opened back in 1922.

"So far in 2019, we are experiencing more extreme flooding event as than normal and more campground closures here at the park than normal," he said.

Campers on50 occupied sites were forced to vacate the park. They wereeither reimbursed or relocated to another provincial park.

"People have been very understanding based on conditions," said Pickersgill.

Three otherLong Point campgrounds Firefly, Monarch and Turtle Dunes closed back in May after high water levels also caused flooding.

The day-use and beach areas are still open to the public.

Park staff hopeto reopen the campgrounds by July 29.

On the ground: