GRCA reminding visitors to respect rules and restrictions

On Saturday, June 6, several Grand River Parks experienced significant challenges with visitors who were not following rules and respecting restrictions and closures. GRCA staff reported people not respecting area closures, people on beaches and people not practicing appropriate physical distancing measures.

Further to this, a considerable amount of garbage and other waste was left throughout the conservation areas, in particular at Guelph Lake. As a result, Guelph Lake will not open until 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 7, due to the amount of clean up that is required.

Should the GRCA continue to experience significant challenges in its conservation areas with visitors not respecting the rules in place, access will be restricted or the areas may be forced to close altogether.

Rules and Restrictions

Visitors are reminded that:

• the Elora Quarry Conservation Area remains closed until further notice
• other Grand River Parks are open for limited recreational activities (hiking, birdwatching, fishing, boating) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with the exception of Guelph Lake on June 7, which will open at 10 a.m.)
• parking is limited; if capacity is reached, access will be restricted
• people should plan for short visits to ensure the space can be shared; if the areas are busy, people should leave and return at another time
• all beaches and swimming areas are closed
• all buildings and on-site facilities, including washrooms, gatehouses, picnic areas and playgrounds remain closed; no equipment rentals are available
• no garbage receptacles are available and visitors must carry any garbage or pet waste out with them
• physical distancing is required; people should stay at least two metres or six feet apart, and are not to congregate in groups
• some portions of the conservation areas are not accessible
• visitors must obey all signage and keep their pets on a leash at all times

Standard entrance fees apply. At Shades’ Mills and Laurel Creek conservation areas, visitors may enter with a valid Grand River Parks membership pass or can pay by credit card at the automatic gate. At the other conservation areas without an automatic gate, visitors may enter with a valid Grand River Parks membership pass or must pay by cash (exact change only) in payment boxes located at the gatehouses. Standard boat launch fees for motor boats at Belwood Lake and Conestogo Lake conservation areas apply and must also be paid upon entry.

For complete details about which GRCA properties are open and closed to the public, and what activities are permissible, please visit www.grandriver.ca/COVID19-FAQ.

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Media contacts:

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