September 19, 2020 Update
Changes to gathering limits
Due to the recent increase in cases and to ensure continued health and safety, there is a new limit on the number of people allowed to attend unmonitored social gatherings and organized public events across Ontario.
As of September 19, 2020, the new gathering limits are:
- indoor events or gatherings: 10 people (previous limit of 50)
- outdoor events or gatherings: 25 people (previous limit of 100)
Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together.
This applies to social gatherings in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas. This includes:
- functions
- parties
- dinners
- gatherings
- barbecues
- wedding receptions
You can find more information here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-stages#gathering-changes
SEE CAMPGROUND OPENING UPDATE – ISSUED JULY 15 2020
LTVCA – Partial Opening of Campgrounds – LTVCA seasonal (trailer) campgrounds to remain closed May Long Weekend partially opening on May 22, 2020
On May 14, 2020 Premier Ford announced provincial guidance regarding the first phase of opening seasonal campgrounds. The press release allows “…, private parks, campgrounds, marinas, golf courses and businesses that board animals may allow boarders to visit, care or, or ride their animals beginning Saturday.”
The LTVCA is currently working to be well-positioned to follow public health advice to maintain physical distancing, implement workplace safety guidance and limit gatherings in our seasonal campgrounds. At the earliest, LTVCA seasonal campgrounds (C.M. Wilson and Big Bend Conservation Areas) will be opened to allow campers to visit and care for trailers starting on Friday, May 22, 2020. Overnight and recreational use of campgrounds will not be permitted. Washrooms, laundry facilities, dumping stations and recreational facilities will not be open.
The LTVCA will be following instructions provided by the government of Canada, Province of Ontario and local officials regarding opening campgrounds as we continue to address this pandemic.
Payment for seasonal camping can be made by sending an email request to admin@ltvca.ca. Payment will be arranged through electronic means. Should the camping season be further reduced, accommodations will be made or proportional refunds will be provided to campers. Please note, do not send credit card information to the LTVCA by email,
When this first phase of camping proceeds, campers will be required to practice social distancing and follow rules set out by the LTVCA to address the spread of COVID-19.
For further information please contact: cmwilson@ltvca.ca or call: (519) 354-8184
C.M. Wilson Conservation Area
Camping reservations open for the 2020 season on March 2, 2020 at 9:00 am.
LTVCA Conservation Area Regulations
LTVCA Conservation Area and Camping Rules
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority acquired this 30 hectare property in 1967. The park was named after a former Chair of the Board of Directors, Clarence Michael Wilson.
Check out our latest YouTube video clip of C.M. Wilson Conservation Area!
General public day use visitors please pay admission at the Pay and Display machine located at the entrance to the park – coin or credit card only. Display ticket on vehicle dashboard. Thank you for supporting this conservation area!
Note: Camping, pre-booked education program and other program/facility rental fees different fee schedule.
Conservation Areas Fee Schedule
Download C.M. Wilson Conservation Area Brochure
Directions
C.M. Wilson Conservation Area is located at 21799 Fargo Road. Located 8.5 km south of Chatham. Take Communications Road south, after going over Hwy. 401 turn right (west) onto Horton Road, cross railroad tracks, turn right (north) onto Fargo Road and travel 1 km to the entrance.)
Coordinates
Lat/Long 42.375, -82.107 UTM 408840, 4692030
Features
See pictures of our rustic, outdoor Wedding Venue!
Barn Pavilion Rental available.
Beautiful Day Use areas.
Canoe and Bicycle Use Information
DUE TO COVID-19, BICYCLES AND CANOES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Canoes available ‘free’ for day users and campers! See details below for use.
Bikes available ‘free’ for day users and campers! See details below for use.
Canoe & Bicycle Use Information
DUE TO COVID-19, BICYCLES AND CANOES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
- Canoes & Bicycles available
- > Monday- Friday 8:30am- 4:30pm
- > Saturday 9:00am- 7:00pm
- > Sundays 9:00am-5:00pm
- > Public Holidays 8:30am- 4:30pm
- > Canoes and Bicycles can be used free of charge for campers and day use visitors. Maximum usage time for both canoes and bikes is one hour.
- > Canoes & Bicycles available from 8:30am- 4:30pm Monday- Thursday; 9:00am- 7:00pm Friday & Saturday; 9:00am-5:00pm on Sundays
- > When borrowing a canoe or bike you must provide your Day Use Permit number, Season Day Use Permit number, or Camping Permit receipt number.
- > All safety equipment will be provided for you.
When borrowing a canoe you must:
- > Abide by all regulations set out by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
- > Stay within the pond
- > Wear a provided PFD
- > Sign a canoe rental consent form
- > Provide a valid Driver’s License number
There is no registration or reservations for canoes or bicycles. Usage is first come first serve. Ensure you have your Day Use Permit or Camping Permit receipt number ready. Call (519) 358-6214 for access code.
Camping
Camp at one of 100 sites, available with hydro, hydro and water, or unserviced. Two group camp sites are also available for larger groups. Sites are available for nightly, weekly, and monthly rates. There are also sites available for season-long camping, with availability to store trailer on seasonal site over winter. For camping fees click here. Washroom facilities are fully serviced with showers.
Picnic tables are available throughout the park and organized groups can book the pavilion, or hold special events year-round in our rustic barn (see photo above), from family gatherings, to weddings, to school functions. Enjoy the new children’s adventure playground, new outdoor class room, fishing, sailing, canoeing, and nature trails. Most facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Other key features include:
- • Conservation Education Programs
- • Chatham-Kent and Lambton Children’s Water Festival (annual)
General Inquiries:
cmwilson@ltvca.ca
519 354-8184 – C.M. Wilson Conservation Area Workshop
When Are We Open?
Day Use: Year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. This is a Pay & Display park, machine for parking permit purchase is located at the gatehouse.
Campground: Open Victoria Day to Thanksgiving
Reservations: Click here to reserve a campsite during the camping season, or for barn/pavilion rentals call 519-354-8184 or cmwilson@ltvca.ca
Natural Features
McKinlay Woodlands Memorial Forest is located in the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area. Hundreds of trees are planted in memory of loved ones every year, supported by McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.
Enjoy canoeing, fishing, or the scenic view of the man-made lake, a small Carolinian forest, and natural wetland area. There are also nature trails throughout the park, showcasing nature and wildlife.
No Hunting.
Conservation Areas are NOT off-leash dog parks. ALL DOGS AND PETS MUST BE LEASHED. UNLEASHED PETS ARE A FINEABLE OFFENCE. CLEAN-UP AFTER YOUR PET! Section 10.-(2) and (3) Under the Conservation Authorities Act.
CM Wilson Conservation Area is also home to the Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village.
Address
21799 Fargo Road
Blenheim
Ontario
N0P1A0
Canada
Chatham-Kent and Lambton Children's Water Festival
Canadian Heritage Rivers
A member of