Accessible recreation trail in Beaver River wetland now open

Final 8 kilometres complete

Opening the upgraded accessible trail at Beaver River Wetland Conservation Area.
From left John Stafford (Ontario Trillium Foundation), Thom Gettinby (CAO/Clerk, Township of Brock), Debbie Bath (LSRCA board member), Mike Walters (LSRCA CAO), Aurora Mayor Geoffrey Dawe (LSRCA Board Chair), Brad Rogers (LSCF President), Mayor John Grant (Township of Brock)

NEWMARKET – October 26, 2016 – Residents from Brock Township can now walk, cycle, ski or snowmobile to neighbouring communities, all while enjoying the soothing sounds of nature and viewing the abundant wildlife along the newly upgraded Beaver River Wetland Trail.

The final 8 kilometres of the Beaver River Wetland Trail were completed last week and officially opened to the public following a ribbon-cutting celebration. The upgraded trail now connects the communities of Uxbridge, Blackwater, Sunderland and Cannington, through the Beaver River Conservation Area.

"The Beaver River Conservation Area is one of the most ecologically significant natural areas in the Lake Simcoe watershed," explained Brian Kemp, general manager of Conservation Lands at the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. "It's our hope that with this newly upgraded trail, residents of all abilities and interests will be able to enjoy the remarkable sights and sounds of the wetland."

The revitalized trail runs along a decommissioned rail line and offers a smooth surface with a low grade to allow for multiple recreational uses. In addition to accessibility, environmental features were considered to ensure continued support of habitats such as turtle and snake nesting sites.

The trail upgrades were completed in three phases over the past five years. The most recent upgrades were completed thanks to donations from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Municipal Cycling Infrastructure Program, and the Township of Brock, in partnership with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) and the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation (LSCF).