Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is pleased to announce Belfountain Conservation Area will re-open to visitors on Wednesday, June 8, 2022. The park was closed for the entirety of 2021 to complete critical restoration work. The work was completed as part of first phase of the Belfountain Conservation Area Management Plan and will help protect and manage the natural and cultural heritage of the property.
“We’re excited to welcome visitors back to the park now that the restoration work is complete,” said Evan Orme, Superintendent, Conservation Parks for CVC. “Belfountain Conservation Area is a valued and popular destination for residents and visitors from across the GTA. This work was critical to preserve the heritage features of the park and enhance the property so future generations continue to enjoy its beauty.”
Restoration work focused on three areas: dam and channel restoration, heritage garden construction, and bridge and trail upgrades.
The headpond was removed and replaced with a 180-metre natural channel in the West Credit River. CVC lowered the dam by one metre to improve its structural stability and enhance public safety. These changes will also improve the overall health of the river by increasing flow and cooling the water, which benefits the native brook trout population.
New flood-resilient heritage gardens were built in the former headpond area of the park. Visitors can enjoy the view of the natural channel and 1,500 square metres of the gardens from the heritage area of the park. CVC also added over 100 metres of trail in this area.
CVC restored the Mack Pack cultural heritage features, including the historic fountain, stone masonry walls and former swimming pool, which was converted into a lily pond. A new dry-stone wall feature of Credit Valley sandstone and a new lookout with a playful fox sculpture were also added.
CVC installed a new 22-metre pedestrian bridge to replace the aging concrete bridge. A new 350 metre boardwalk trail was built, and 275 metres of the Gorge and Trimble Trails were upgraded. CVC also planted 12,000 native trees, shrubs and plants to create new habitat and help protect species at risk.
Belfountain Conservation Area will re-open under a new mandatory reservation system. This new approach will help CVC responsibly manage visitation at the park.
“As we move forward with a new reservation-based system, we won’t be allowing walk-in visitors to the park,” said Orme. “We’re hopeful this will help alleviate some pressures local residents experience in the hamlet due to traffic.”
To preserve nature and the historical features of the park, Belfountain Conservation Area’s day use policy remains in effect. Picnicking, day camping and barbequing will not be permitted activities in the park.
For information on Belfountain Conservation Area, visit cvc.ca/belfountain.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drain into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
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Media Contact
Jamie Williams
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Credit Valley Conservation
905-431-5772
[email protected]