Wilderness Areas

The Wilderness Areas program was created in the 1950s to preserve areas of natural and historical significance. The Wilderness Areas Act was proclaimed in 1959 (revised in 1990), and by July 1961, 35 Wilderness Areas had been identified by the Department of Lands and Forests (now MNR) and the Federation of Ontario Naturalists (now Ontario Nature).

An additional four Wilderness Areas were added by 1972. The Wilderness Areas Act was significant in that it was one of the first Canadian statutes to recognize the concept of nature reserves. However, given the limited contribution that these areas made to wilderness, new Wilderness Areas have not been added since 1972. Formal protection of wilderness in Ontario is achieved in Provincial Parks, Conservation Reserves, and National Parks.

Two Wilderness Areas were rescinded in 1984 and four in 1993. In total, 33 Wilderness Areas encompassing 61,173 ha still exist. Of these 33 areas, 22 (encompassing 60,334 ha, or 98.6% of the total area protected as Wilderness Area in Ontario) are located inside 12 Provincial Parks and five Conservation Reserves. The remaining 11 Wilderness Areas on Crown land encompass 839 ha.

Protection Goal and/or Objectives

Wilderness Areas were established for the:

• Preservation of land in its natural state for research and educational activities.
• Protection of the flora and fauna.
• Improvement of the area for its historical, aesthetic, scientific, or recreational value.

Selection Criteria

Wilderness Areas were nominated on the basis of their historical, aesthetic, scientific, or recreational values. Selection criteria included:

• Examples of ecosystems with characteristic flora and fauna.
• Unique flora and fauna.
• Significant geological features.
• Significant geomorphological features.
• Wildlife habitat.
• Scenic qualities.

Management Objectives and/or Guidelines

No management guidelines have been prepared in support of the Wilderness Areas Act. While a Wilderness Area can be any size, the Wilderness Areas Act does not limit the development or use of natural resources in Wilderness Areas greater than 260 ha. Where possible, Wilderness Areas located within the boundaries of Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves are zoned and protected according to the values for which they were originally selected.