WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has started to reopen gatehouses, beaches and some washrooms in most of its conservation areas.
“As the GRCA reopens more amenities and activities for visitors … the health and safety of staff and the community remain our highest priority,” stated GRCA chair Helen Jowett in a June 16 press release.
“We are pleased to reopen more amenities, and while this is good news, it’s also important to remember it will not be business as usual in our parks this year.
“As always, we encourage people to be responsible so that we can continue to offer an enjoyable experience for all visitors.”
Officials say the following have currently reopened:
- most Grand River Parks, from 8am to 9pm daily (gatehouses open from 8am to 6pm);
- beaches and washrooms in day-use areas only;
- Grand River Parks memberships available for purchase at gatehouses and online; and
- seasonal boat launch passes available for purchase at the Belwood Lake and Conestogo Lake gatehouses.
Due to a June 10 order by the public health unit, visitors must wear face coverings while inside gatehouses and public washrooms at the Belwood Lake, Conestogo Lake, Elora Gorge, Guelph Lake and Rockwood conservation areas.
Considering the province’s recent announcements about reopening businesses and amenities, the GRCA will make a decision on overnight camping “by the end of June,” officials stated.
The following remain closed until further notice:
- the Elora Quarry Conservation Area;
- boat, canoe and kayak rentals;
- pavilions, picnic shelters and other group facilities;
- playground equipment;
- overnight camping, including group camping;
- tubing and the splash pad at Elora Gorge Conservation Area;
- showers and change rooms;
- washrooms not in day-use areas;
- the Learn to Fish program; and
- the fishing equipment rental program and the life jacket loaner program.
All food concession stands, as well as swimming pools at Brant and Byng Island conservation areas will remain closed for the 2020 season.
“To help protect both staff and visitors, the GRCA will be implementing a number of measures to address overcrowding and promote physical distancing in its parks and facilities,” states the GRCA press release.
“This may include limiting the number of daily visitors and increased patrols. Visitors should be aware that parking is limited, and while garbage receptacles are now available and will be emptied as frequently as possible, people are reminded to visit responsibly and if garbage bins are full, to take their waste with them and dispose of it at home.”
Visitors should visit www.grandriver.ca for more information.
