GRCA reopening some trails and parks for limited day use activities beginning this May long weekend

Beginning Saturday, May 16, 2020, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will reopen its sections of the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail, and the Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail for biking and hiking. The GRCA’s remaining closed section of the Elora Cataract Trailway will also open on Saturday. The section between Elora and Fergus was reopened earlier this month under a mutual agreement with the Township of Centre Wellington. The SC Johnson Trail (Paris to Brantford) has remained open as it has been maintained by the County of Brant.

In addition, the GRCA will be reopening Laurel Creek (Waterloo) and Shade’s Mills (Cambridge) conservation areas for recreational activities such as walking and birdwatching. Fishing and boating are not permitted at either park at this time. These areas will be open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to those with a GRCA membership pass or paying by credit card at the automatic gate. Standard entrance fees will apply.

“The GRCA recognizes the importance of access to nature for community health and wellbeing. Our board has been hearing from many watershed residents and we know they are eager to be in nature,” says Helen Jowett, GRCA board chair. “GRCA staff are taking a responsible approach to reopening properties, doing so in stages, while maintaining critical services.”

All buildings and on-site facilities, including washrooms, gatehouses, picnic areas, playgrounds, beaches and docks in these areas will remain closed. In addition, no garbage receptacles will be available and visitors are asked to carry any garbage or pet waste out with them.

Visitors are reminded to practice physical distancing by staying at least two metres or six feet apart, and not to congregate in groups. The GRCA is also asking the public to plan short visits to trails and conservation areas that have been reopened to ensure the space can be shared with all those looking to get outside and into nature. Parking is limited.

At this time, all other GRCA conservation areas and properties owned and managed by the GRCA remain closed, and camping is not permitted at any GRCA conservation area. It is still uncertain when the GRCA will be able to offer camping in its Grand River Parks. It takes at least four weeks to prepare the parks for overnight camping. The GRCA is updating its plan, and further information will be shared regarding seasonal camping on May 20.

The GRCA will be reopening its properties in stages, and information about additional properties reopening will also be shared on May 20. As restrictions ease, there are a number of things that must be addressed prior to reopening GRCA properties to the public in order to ensure the safety of both our staff and the community, as well as meet the government’s safety guidelines.

The GRCA will continue to monitor the evolving situation and update its plan to reopen based on the latest directions being provided by local, provincial and federal governments.

For more information please visit www.grandriver.ca/COVID19 and www.grandriver.ca/COVID19-FAQ.

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

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