June 13, 2019 – The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is partnering with the Stratford Police for lake patrols on Wildwood Reservoir. The lake patrol at Wildwood Conservation Area helps to ensure a safe and relaxing outdoor experience for all visitors.

Media representatives are invited to join us on Thursday, June 20^th, 10:00 am, at Wildwood Conservation Area for a boat tour of Wildwood Reservoir and an opportunity to meet the new lake patrol staff.

“The Stratford Police is looking forward to the opportunity to partner with Wildwood Conservation Area and take advantage of their expertise,” stated Chief Greg Skinner of the Stratford Police Service. “On average, 160 people drown in Ontario each year. With the expansion of the Stratford Police jurisdiction to include Wildwood Conservation Area, it is our duty to partner with the Conservation Officers to enhance safety on the water by increasing our visibility. Our focus will be on proactive, prevention based lake patrols to increase safety on the water. The Stratford Police will continue to diversify their service delivery model to meet the expectations of Stratford, St. Marys and Perth South.”

“Wildwood Conservation Area has seen visitor numbers rise in the past several years with camping and lake based activities getting more popular,” said Paul Switzer, Superintendent, Wildwood Conservation Area. “We are increasing our safety measures by partnering with the Stratford Police for regular lake patrols.”

When: Thursday, June 20^th, 10:00 am
Where: Wildwood Conservation Area, 3995 Line 9, St. Marys, Ontario
What: UTRCA and Stratford Police lake patrol staff will be taking media representatives on a tour of Wildwood Reservoir.

Contact: Steve Sauder, Marketing Specialist

Wildwood Conservation Area offers:
431 campsites
Large lake for swimming, boating, sailing and fishing
Modern washrooms and laundry facilities
Canoe and kayak rentals
Fat bike rentals
30 km of biking and hiking trails
Summer recreation programs
Peaceful day use area
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters TackleShare program – fishing gear for everyone!

2019 Events at Wildwood:
June 30 – Canada Day Celebration
July 6 – Family Fishing Day
July 6 – Stream of Dreams
July 13 – Speaking of Wildlife
July 13 – Stream Safari
July 20 – Yard Sale
July 20 – Canadian Raptor Conservancy
July 27 – Family Forest Fun Hike
August 3 – Sciensational Sssnakes!
August 3 – Stargazing and Astronomy
August 10 – Wetland Program – Scales Nature Park
August 10 – Stream Safari
August 17 – Wild Ontario Presentation
August 17 – Halloween at Wildwood
August 25 – Memorial Forest Dedication
August 31 – Stargazing and Astronomy
September 1 – Learn to Dragon Boat
September 29 – Autumn Open House