Hello Everyone,

At our general meeting last year, you selected White Pines as our 2022 Winter Major Excursion.

In response, we had planned an overnight itinerary that spanned three districts: Simcoe, Muskoka, Haliburton, and Nipissing. This would have included tobogganing, dog-sledding, ice-climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, skating, campfires, field activities, sight-seeing, and accommodations.

Unfortunately, when this excursion was selected (and while we were organizing it), Ontario was in stage three of the Provincial Government's COVID 19 road-map. Consequently, our planned itinerary took advantage of larger gathering limits, looser recreational activities restrictions, and indoor dining.

As you are likely well aware, recently, the Omicron variant has led to a spike in cases across the province. In response, the Government has reintroduced stage two restrictions and the University has modified its state of operations.

Given the variant's increased transmissibility and the uncertainty this poses as to what restrictions might be in place come early February, it is no longer practical nor responsible to proceed as planned. Regretfully, in light of this, we have no option but to cancel White Pines and its associated activities.

At our upcoming Annual General Meeting this spring, we we will re-evaluate our options and consider the possibility of organizing an enlarged, COVID-friendly, minor excursion in March or April. To stay in the loop and to be notified when this happens, please click here.

We thank you for your continued understanding, sincerely,

BOREAL's Officer Team.