Service Disruptions

Temporary Closure: Ball Tract

Beginning on Friday, September 25, 2026, Ball Tract will be closed to the public to allow for plantation thinning operations. This closure is expected to last approximately 3-4 weeks. Signs are posted at the main entrance of the property to inform the public. For maps or to learn more, please visit: www.grandriver.ca/CurrentForestProjects. 

Notice of Herbicide Use at Laurel Creek Conservation Area

Please be advised that GRCA will be applying herbicides at Laurel Creek Conservation Area on Monday, September 28 to control invasive Phragmites according to the Pesticides Act and Ontario Regulation 63/09. The property and trails will remain open to the public; however, access to the boat launch will be restricted. Visitors are reminded to stay on designated trails, keep pets on a leash and watch for signage. This disruption will remain in effect for the day the work is being completed.

Phragmites is a non-native invasive grass that destroyed habitat for birds, turtles and other wildlife. The GRCA is working to control Phragmites at Laurel Creek reduce its environmental impacts. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to improve the health of our watershed.

Temporary Closure: Snyder’s Flats (Woolwich Township)

On Monday, September 28 and Tuesday, September 29 (weather permitting), the south half of Snyder’s Flats will be closed to allow for the application of herbicides to control small patches of invasive Phragmites in accordance with the Pesticides Acts and Ontario Regulation 63/09. Public access will only be permitted on the central trail and the north half of the property.

Visitors are reminded to watch for signage, stay on designated trails on the north side of the property, obey DO NOT ENTER signs and keep dogs on leash.

Non-native Phragmites is an invasive grass that destroys habitat for birds, turtles and other wildlife. The GRCA is routinely working to control Phragmites at Snyder’s Flats prior to having significant impact to habitat.

Guelph Dam access road closure: September 21–25, 2026

The access road across Guelph Dam will be closed while a crane is onsite for planned maintenance work. The closure is scheduled for September 21-25, 2026. Pedestrians and cyclists will not be able to cross the dam while the crane is onsite.

Temporary Closure: Bond Tract (Township of Puslinch)

Starting September 3, 2026, the Bond Tract is temporarily closed to allow Forestry and Research operations to take place. From September 1 to May 31 annually, public access to the property is only permitted via a hunting permit. The property will remain closed to hunters while operations are underway. There have been some delays with the plantation thinning project, so the closure may extend into early October as the work is expected to take 3-4 weeks to complete. This notice will be updated periodically with exact timing as the work is scheduled. For more information on plantation management, please visit our forestry projects webpage.

The City of Waterloo is undertaking the reconstruction of Beaver Creek Road and Conservation Drive, that may create access disruptions at the Laurel Creek Nature Centre driveway. Learn more on the City of Waterloo website.