Weather system results in closure of GRCA trails and natural areas due to tree damage

Update (May 26, 2022): The Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail, Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail, and Elora-Cataract Trailway have reopened.

Update (May 23, 2022): Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area has reopened, however some areas of the property remain closed to the public while clean-up continues.

The weather system that swept through Southern Ontario on Saturday afternoon has resulted in significant damage to trees in several Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) natural areas and on GRCA trails throughout the Grand River watershed. As a result, these trails and natural areas have been closed while staff evaluate the damage.

The closure applies to all GRCA rail trails including the Elora-Cataract Trailway, Cambridge-Brantford Rail Trail, SC Johnson Trail (Paris to Brantford) and Brantford-Hamilton Rail Trail.

Also included in this closure are all GRCA natural areas, including Dumfries (Cambridge), Snyder’s Flats (Bloomingdale), FWR Dickson/Bannister Lake (south of Cambridge) and Starkey Hill (Guelph).

All Grand River Conservation Areas remain open, with the exception of Pinehurst Lake which has been closed for access until further notice. Visitors are asked to exercise caution and avoid areas that have been closed.

For updates on the status of Grand River Conservation Areas, visit www.grandriver.ca/conservationareastatus. For updates on GRCA trail and natural area closures, visit www.grandriver.ca/servicedisruptions.

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Media Contacts:

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