MISSISSAUGA – Yesterday, May 9, the Province of Ontario announced the reopening of provincial parks and provincial conservation reserves beginning May 11. Provincial conservation reserves are not the same as conservation areas. The province’s announcement does not apply to conservation areas, which are owned by conservation authorities. Credit Valley Conservation’s (CVC’s) conservation areas and trails remain closed until further notice.
CVC is now initiating a planned, phased reopening of most of its trails. A number of critical steps need to take place before visitors can once again enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being in nature at CVC properties. As such, CVC’s conservation areas and trails will not be reopening on May 11.
Preparations include:
- Checking nearly 100 kilometres of trails for hazards and safety concerns.
- Removing the closure barriers (barricades) from 76 locations.
- Preparing operations across the system for safe social distancing.
- Changing park signage.
- Performing enhanced maintenance and cleaning operations.
- Ensuring vendor support with services such as garbage pick-up.
- Coordinating our changing parks status with municipal partner authorities (police, by-law) and other land management agencies.
“We understand people’s frustrations and we look forward to welcoming visitors back as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Terri LeRoux, Senior Manager, Property, Asset, Recreation and Conservation Area Services for CVC. “The safety of our visitors and staff is our highest priority.”
Until further notice, no members of the public, including Conservation Parks members, may use or enter CVC conservation area grounds or trails. Please obey all posted notices, parking signs and locked gates. Staff continue to enforce the closures.
For the latest updates on the status of CVC’s conservation areas and trails, visit cvc.ca/ParkConditions.
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
Jon MacMull
Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
Mobile: 647-272-1187
[email protected]