The Canadian Ecology Centre is bringing back its summer day camps to Mattawa, Ontario, for the 2026 season following a year-long hiatus for recovery work after the June 21, 2025 storm that damaged forest areas and park infrastructure.
Families can expect registration to open in late February for camp sessions planned to run in July and August, with the full schedule and registration details to be released by the Centre. The 2026 program will include outdoor activities in both Mattawa and North Bay, and will offer high-school credit courses that emphasize nature and forest recovery after storms.
A $4.74 million provincial investment announced in November 2025 will be used to rebuild and upgrade Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park as part of a broader plan to develop the park as a year‑round destination. (Reporting at the time noted some park improvements might not be completed in time for 2026.)
Bill Steer, founder and general manager of the Canadian Ecology Centre, said the 2025 closure created a significant financial gap for the non-profit and that the return of camps in 2026 is an important milestone for the community. The new programs are designed to be hands‑on, giving local children a chance to explore the woods and learn about the local landscape.
