FWR Dickson Wilderness Area receives facelift

On September 12, the Grand River Conservation Foundation (GRCF) celebrated the rehabilitation of FWR Dickson Wilderness Area in North Dumfries. Thanks to a contribution of $93,500 from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, and matching funds from donors, work has been completed to rebuild the 150-metre boardwalk and 375-metre trail leading from the parking lot on Wrigley Road. The new trail and boardwalk combination is now more accessible to those with restricted mobility.

“Thanks to local businesses and organizations supporting this project, these upgrades will provide visitors with greater access to some very special natural experiences” says GRCF Executive Director, Sara Wilbur. Major donors include The Cowan Foundation and Ayr Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.

For many in Waterloo Region and Brant County, the gentle touch of a chickadee feeding from the palm of your hand is the first experience they’ll mention when asked about FWR Dickson Wilderness Area located south of Cambridge. Generations of visitors have explored the wooden boardwalks and trails through the natural area since it first opened in 1963. Visiting the area in recent years was becoming increasingly challenging due to a boardwalk and trails that had fallen into disrepair due to the heavy traffic.

“The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program has preserved and improved our local conservation area, so that Canadians and their families can enjoy moments of culture, recreation, and leisure for years to come. I am proud that the FWR Dickson Wilderness Area has benefitted from this program, which celebrates our nation by celebrating our important community spaces,” said Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge.

FWR Dickson Wilderness Area was named after F. W. Roy Dickson (1898-1984) who taught science for 41 years at Kitchener Collegiate Institute. This property is named after him because he was a founder of Waterloo Region Nature and frequently consulted on the identification of birds and plants. Dickson was also a keen historian who helped plan Doon Pioneer Village.  

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Media Contacts:

Cam Linwood, GRCA Communications Coordinator
Phone 519-621-2763 x2251  |  Email clinwood@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager of Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca