GRCA launches new information tool to help Grand River Parks visitors

The GRCA has launched a new tool to provide guests visiting Grand River Parks for the day with real-time information about the capacity at its parks, helping them to better plan their visits.

Visitors can now check www.grandriver.ca/parkstatus to find out if a park is welcoming visitors or if it has reached its daily capacity. The site provides real-time updates regarding the status of each park.

Grand River Parks are very busy on weekends and holidays and often reach capacity. Once a park has reached capacity, it will be closed for the remainder of the day and no additional visitors will be permitted entry. People may wish to consider visiting the parks during the week, when they are less busy.

“We’re reminding visitors that the experience at Grand River Parks is much different this year. Due to the ongoing pandemic, our operations have changed,” says Pam Walther-Mabee, GRCA Manager of Conservation Areas. “In addition to implementing a number of measures to address overcrowding and promote physical distancing, staff are spending extra time cleaning and ensuring our parks are safe for our guests.”

Overnight camping has also reopened at Brant, Byng Island, Elora Gorge, Guelph Lake, Pinehurst Lake and Rockwood conservation areas and reservations are being accepted through the GRCA’s Campsite Reservation System. Reservations may only be made online, in advance. Walk-up campsite bookings are not being accepted at the gatehouse. Much like day use activities, there is increased demand for camping on weekends and some weekends are sold out. People are encouraged to book a campsite during the week if possible.

Like many organizations and businesses across Ontario, the GRCA has adapted its operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even where the Province and the local health units permit an activity to occur or facility to open, the GRCA may determine that certain activities will not occur and certain facilities will not open on GRCA properties.

Visitors should check www.grandriver.ca/COVID19-FAQ for information about which facilities and services are available before visiting Grand River Parks. If visitors have further questions, they are asked to contact the parks directly.

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Media contacts:

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

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