Construction phase is starting soon; Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is closed for all access during construction
The Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) called for tenders, in March of 2024, for construction of the pedestrian walkway to the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. The successful contractor is VanDriel Excavating Inc.
A pre-construction meeting was held on site, in April, with representatives from B. M. Ross and Associates Limited (engineering); HTLTC; Hydro One; VanDriel Excavating Inc.; and Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA).
The BRVTA manages the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area property, which is owned by HTLTC through the generous donations of the community.
The contractor plans to begin construction of the walkway by the end of April. The plan is to have the construction completed by mid to late May. The property will be closed to all public access during construction.
The creation of a new pedestrian walkway will mean people don’t have to drive from Bayfield to reach the nature area. They will be able to walk to the nature area without having to cross the highway.
The cost to construct the walkway is about $70,000. A community fundraising campaign has raised almost enough to cover the cost of the project but there is still $5,000 left to raise.
The project partners say they plan to begin construction this spring. In the meantime, they are looking for options to close the funding gap and encourage donations. The project team expressed thanks for the generosity of the community to date and also thanked B. M. Ross and Associates Limited for their ongoing contribution to the project.
The fundraising campaign remains open should anyone wish to donate and help move the project closer to the finish line. Donations are eligible for a charitable gift receipt for income tax purposes for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). There are recognition opportunities for various donor levels.
To learn more about the Bayfield River Flats Walkway project, or to donate, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association is leading the walkway fundraising project. The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is permanently protected by the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy as habitat for wildlife and as a recreation destination.
Visit the Land Trust website and the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website to find out more.