We are excited to reopen the Ken Whillans Conservation Area for the 2024 season this weekend. Come explore the park and enjoy the new amenities. We have completed trail upgrades and added new washrooms that will provide a more comfortable and accessible day at the park.
Ken Whillans is a great spot to go hiking and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in the Caledon area. The Caledon Trailway and Credit Valley Trail run through the property and offer views of the Niagara Escarpment, including the Devil’s Pulpit.
Trail Upgrades
We upgraded trails at the park, including rebuilding a section of boardwalk. This is providing better accessibility for our park visitors. We also added a new boardwalk trail to extend Fisherman’s Walk and create a new loop trail. Together with project supporters, we have completed 170 meters of new and reconstructed boardwalk. The project received support from the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP): Community, Culture and Recreation (CCR) stream.
Upgraded Washroom Facilities
Along with trail upgrades, we installed upgraded washrooms facilities. The space features four new washroom stalls, including one barrier-free and one universal washroom. You can also enjoy a covered seating area, a water bottle refill station and a changing table.
Green Infrastructure Designs
We incorporated green building design into the space with all-electric heating, including heat pumps, on-demand electric water heater and baseboard heating. The building features an energy efficient reflective roof, designed to be solar-ready. We installed a rain garden featuring many native plants and flowers to manage runoff from the building and parking lot. Additionally, we ensured that this new space is wet floodproofed by incorporating design strategies that will prevent or provide resistance to flooding, including carefully engineering the septic system to minimize impacts to the surrounding environment.
This project received Government of Canada support through the Employment and Social Development Canada–Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF).
Ken Whillans has a lot to Offer
If you’ve never been to Ken Whillans, we encourage you to plan a visit this season. It’s a perfect spot to bring your friends and family to explore trails and go fishing. We have two ponds that are stocked in the spring with rainbow trout, making it a great fishing spot close to the city.
New Fishing Kayaks and More Rentals Available
We partner with Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Tackleshare Program, to offer free fishing rods. You can borrow a rod for the day. We also have canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards that you can rent by the hour or by the day. New this year, we have fishing kayaks you can rent. You can find snacks, drinks, bait and tackle available at the Park Store.
By Jamie Williams, Specialist, Marketing and Communications