Events encourage families to fish together

Are you looking for something to do with your family next weekend?
Something in the outdoors, at minimal expense and not too far from home?
Such an activity is planned for July 8 in Markham and July 9 in Newmarket.
Believe it or not, it’s fishing.
With connotations attached to this activity that it can only be carried out at places far removed from urban centres, there are actually bodies of water within a short walk, bicycle ride or drive from your home where you can actually wet a line.
The Ministry of Natural Resources, regional conservation authorities and local civic and conservation groups have joined forces during the last 21 years to stage an Urban Fishing Festival.
Held in conjunction with National Fishing Week, July 1 to 9, this year’s festival in Markham is organized by the Town of Markham, Knights of Columbus St. Justin Martyr Council, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the ministry. It takes place at Toogood Pond in Unionville.
The Newmarket event, hosted by the Newmarket Optimists, Aurora Bassmasters, Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire program, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the ministry, will be conducted at Fairy Lake.
Both festivals run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wil Wegman, a ministry spokesman from the ministry’s Aurora District Office, says the primary purpose of these festivals is to introduce people to this time-honoured activity, especially families.
For those who attend, he said fishing tackle can be borrowed on site at no cost.
As well, there will be fishing demonstrations, contests and prizes.
Residents between the ages of 18 and 64 need not worry about possessing an angling license during the two festivals as they are a part of the province’s annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend.
“Fishing can be one of the least expensive family activities,” Wegman said.
“Of course, once they become hooked, their tackle boxes will slowly end up looking like ours —  overflowing with masses of lures,” the avid angler said with a laugh.
The festivals also aim to encourage more youths to take an active interest the sport.
Wegman cited the latest federal government surveys pertaining to sport fishing that indicate the number of youngsters who enjoy fishing is on the decline.
“We need more of them to love it,” Wegman said, adding events such as the urban fishing festivals are a good start.
“From there, we hope they will want to pursue it more on their own and bug mom and dad to take them.
“We know that kids are the future of the sport. They will be the ones who will continue the fight to protect and manage the fishery resources, they will be the ones to buy fishing licenses, they will be the ones buying tackle.”
For more information, Click Here or call Shawn Verge at 905-713-7412 or Wegman at 905-713-7730.