Whether you’re admiring the fall colours in the trees on a winding trail, building sand castles on the beach or digging into some potato salad under a picnic shelter, we are happy you’re visiting a Grand River Conservation Area or conservation lands.
In fact, recently, more and more people are visiting the GRCA Conservation Areas. Last year, the GRCA welcomed 1.7 million visitors to our 11 Conservation Areas and Wildlife Management Area. But, with the increase in people enjoying our facilities, also comes an increase in some challenging behaviours such as trespassing.
Some visitors may be avoiding the main gates and entering conservation areas by other means such as through a hole in a fence or on an adjacent trail.
It’s crucial for people to enter our Conservation Areas through the main gate. This is where visitors will hear important information about the site, such as safety information.
For example, at the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, staff can ensure all visitors entering the main gate are aware of the deep gorge and sheer cliffs. Other possible examples of safety concerns include telling visitors about any extensive tree damage from ice or wind storms and which areas to avoid, elevated river speeds or high water levels from flooding or rain events, unusual animal activity or confirmed dangerous plants, to name only a few. Coming through the main gate allows staff to ensure the safety of all visitors.
The main gate is also where visitors will hear about any fees that need to be paid or any disruptions or changes to operations.
The Grand River Conservation Areas have fees associated with their usage. These fees pay for amenities like washroom facilities, trail maintenance, picnic shelters and garbage collection. These areas are open to the public from approximately April to mid-October.
It is a misconception that GRCA land is public. The GRCA is a private land owner and subject to the same legal obligations as any private land owner. GRCA property is not Crown or public land. Grand River Conservation Areas receive no tax dollars and operate on the funds received through gate access, camping revenue and pay-for-use items like tube rentals.
The GRCA owns about 19,400 hectares or 48,000 acres of land. The money paid in fees to enter Conservation Areas ensures the safe and enduring enjoyment of the land by the community.
For more information about visiting Grand River Conservation Areas, please view our outdoor recreation page on our website. For information on real time status of Conservation Areas and activities including hours of operation, visit our Conservation Area and Activity Status page.
Media Contact:
Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager, Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316 | Email lstocco@grandriver.ca
Leah Gerber 