Ontario’s Government is making life more affordable by putting a stop to fishing license fee increases for all Ontario residents and removing the $2 service fee.

“We’re making it easier for Ontarians to get out on the water and enjoy the great outdoors by keeping fishing licenses more affordable,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Next year, whether renewing a license or purchasing for the first time, there will be no price hike and no service fee. This will put $2.7 million back into the pockets of the hard-working people of Ontario.”

In addition to freezing fees, the government is adding two new license-free fishing events in 2019 on the weekends of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Families will be able to enjoy fishing at no cost, making it easier to spend time together.

“Recreational fishing is a $2.2 billion industry in Ontario,” said Minister Yakabuski. “People come from all over the world to experience what this beautiful province has to offer, including fishing in our many lakes, rivers, and streams, and we are helping the people of this province and their families do the same.”

For more information on fishing in Ontario, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/fishing.

Ontario’s Government for the People also recently announced its plan to honour past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces by amending fishing regulations so veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members can enjoy free recreational fishing by early 2019. For more information please see: Ontario Gives Back to its Heroes.