CAMBRIDGE – The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) will be maintaining limited access at a number of conservation areas this winter; however, restrictions will remain in place to help protect staff, watershed communities and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake, Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake, Rockwood and Shade’s Mills conservation areas will remain open for limited winter activities where conditions permit.
Equipment rentals will not be available.
These areas are open from dawn to dusk with limited parking. If capacity is reached, access will be restricted. For up-to-date information on the current status of these areas, visit www.grandriver.ca/parkstatus.
Visitors without a Grand River Parks membership pass are required to pay by cash (exact change only) in payment boxes located at the gatehouse when staff are not present.
Standard entrance fees apply.
Winter operations
Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake, Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake, Rockwood and Shade’s Mills conservation areas are open year round for activities like hiking.
Services are limited in the winter and access may be restricted at some of these areas.
A limited number of portable washrooms and garbage receptacles will be available.
All other Grand River parks remain closed for the winter season, and are generally open from May to October.
All GRCA nature centres and surrounding properties remain closed.
Most GRCA owned and managed trails and natural areas are open at this time; however, no winter maintenance is undertaken.
Anyone visiting GRCA conservation areas and trails is asked to do so responsibly by practising physical distancing, not congregating in groups and disposing of waste in garbage receptacles or if unavailable, taking it home to dispose of it appropriately.
The GRCA is also encouraging visitors to plan short trips to ensure the space can be shared with others who are looking to get outside and into nature this winter.
It’s important to note that winter activities are subject to change, based on weather conditions.
In addition, parks and/or trails may close from time to time during the operating season, sometimes without notice for safety reasons.
Ice fishing
Ice fishing will be offered at Belwood Lake, Pinehurst Lake and Shade’s Mills once the ice thickness meets safety requirements.
More information about the GRCA’s ice fishing program, including fees, hours and how to get the most up-to-date information, is available on the GRCA website.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
The GRCA offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Laurel Creek, Pinehurst Lake and Shade’s Mills conservation areas when conditions allow.
This year, the GRCA will not be offering equipment rentals.
More information about the GRCA’s cross-country skiing and snowshoeing programs, including fees, hours and how to get the most up-to-date information, is available on the GRCA website.
For more information about the GRCA’s winter activities visit www.grandriver.ca/winterprograms.
GRCA administration centre
Following recent announcements by the province focused on reducing the spread of COVID-19, the GRCA’s administration centre in Cambridge will be closed to the public as of noon on Dec. 24.
Most GRCA staff are working remotely, and will continue to serve the community over the phone, by email and through the online permit application system.
For more information on the GRCA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic along with answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.grandriver.ca/COVID19.
