Trail Association, Land Trust plan for canoe and kayak launch and project using innovative natural ways to reduce erosion at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area
Evening in Bayfield is meet-and-greet to celebrate, support Bayfield River Flats Natural Area canoe and kayak launch project
Imagine someone goes to beautiful Bayfield Flats Natural Area to experience the property by canoe or kayak … but they can’t find a convenient way to launch their canoe or kayak. Now imagine there is a new canoe and kayak launch so canoeists and kayakers can more easily enjoy this beautiful destination. A partnership of volunteers and donors is looking to make that dream a reality.
Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) have announced two new projects, in 2025, to further enhance Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. A new canoe and kayak launch is one of those projects. The other project is to use innovative natural means to protect the riverbank from erosion.
Cathy Lalonde is Chair of the Canoe and Kayak Launch Project Fundraising Committee. She says a generous and significant donation from a community member means the finish line is in sight for the canoe and kayak launch project. Community donations are still needed, she said, to reach the $20,000 fundraising goal to make the dream reality and complete the project.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community for helping to make the canoe and kayak launch a dream that is within reach,” she said. “We are now looking for further donations to reach our $20,000 fundraising goal to complete the project.”
Any funds raised in addition to this goal will go to maintenance of the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.
A meet-and-greet community celebration and fundraising evening, at Bayfield Town Hall, is taking place in support of the canoe and kayak launch project. The event is at Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 7 to 9 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.)
“We look forward to celebrating these two projects, with the community, at the meet-and-greet at Bayfield Town Hall,” Lalonde said.
Thanks go to the sponsor of the evening, Michael Finkbeiner, Senior Investment Advisor with Wellington-Altus.
Cash bar is provided by Tyler Hessel and 1851 Bayfield Landing.
In addition to the new canoe and kayak launch, there is also a project to use innovative natural techniques to reduce riverbank erosion. The project will restore 300 square metres of riverbank and improve fish habitat there.
The project includes planting of native species of trees and shrubs.
“The project for natural protection of the riverbank, from erosion, at Bayfield River Flats is possible thanks to support from provincial and county partners,” Lalonde said.
The project team would like to acknowledge all granting organizations, for the natural protection from erosion project, including the lead funder for that project, the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF).
“The project to prevent erosion, using innovative natural means, addresses environmental stewardship of the property while the canoe and kayak launch adds recreation and nature appreciation opportunities to the nature area,” Lalonde said.
The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is permanently protected by HTLTC as habitat for wildlife and as a recreation destination. BRVTA volunteers maintain the trail at no cost to the public. The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is the most used property maintained by BRVTA. Thousands of people visit the area in a single year.
To learn more, or to donate, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page and the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website.
As a kayaking tourist to your area every spring, this would be very helpful.