Water Ban at River Place - Reminder July 13/26
As the high temperatures and dry conditions are expected to continue this week, a watering ban continues to be in effect for River Place until further notice.
During this time, please refrain from:
- Washing cars, trailers, or other vehicles
- Watering lawns
- Using pressure washers
- Any other non-essential outdoor water use
We also ask that watering of flowers, gardens, and other plants be kept to an absolute minimum.
Your cooperation is essential in helping us protect and preserve our water supply during this dry period. Unlike municipal water systems, our campground operates on a rural well system, which has a more limited water supply. Conserving water now will help ensure there is enough for everyone's essential daily needs.
We appreciate your understanding and support.
STARFEST
The campground will once again be the host to the NYAA Starfest from August 10 to August 26, 2026.
River Place staff do not look after site bookings for those staying for Starfest.
Please contact NYAA organizers directly for accommodations at River Place during Starfest.
We look forward to having the stargazers back!
During Starfest, our staff will close the main washrooms when they are cleaning them in order to efficently clean. Please use a port-a-potty when the main washrooms are closed.
For those who may not be familiar, Starfest is Canada’s largest annual amateur astronomy conference and star party, attracting hundreds of astronomy enthusiasts from across Ontario, neighbouring provinces, and the USA. Ranked among the top star parties in North America by Sky and Telescope, the event features activities for everyone—from seasoned astrophotographers to those brand new to stargazing. We’re proud to host this remarkable event here at River Place and warmly welcome all who are attending.
To help our guests fully enjoy the event, we kindly ask seasonal campers to follow the Starfest light and traffic guidelines:
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Red lights only: On observing nights, please use red lights only. White lights—or any other color—can quickly ruin night vision and diminish the view of the stars. This includes flashlights, trailer and car lights (interior/trunk), and screen monitors. Even overly bright red lights can interfere with dark adaptation.
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Section 400 campers: Please turn off or cover solar lights, avoid using outside lights, and keep curtains closed to reduce light leakage. Please do not light campfires while Starfest is visiting.
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Vehicle rules: When driving in the campground at night, golf carts only are permitted, and their lights must be covered with red.
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Why this matters: It can take 20–30 minutes for eyes to adjust to darkness—but only a few seconds of light to wipe it out.
Campers are invited to join in the fun! Stop by and chat with a friendly astronomer—you may even get the chance to look through one of their telescopes for a truly unforgettable experience.
Your cooperation ensures that everyone—campers and visiting astronomers alike—can enjoy the breathtaking dark skies River Place is known for. Thank you for helping make Starfest 2026 a success!