News

Date of posting: November 25, 2025

HTLTC is recruiting three members to serve as Directors on the HTLTC Board. The HTLTC’s area is a dynamic landscape, comprised of diverse natural areas, productive farmland, as well as small and large communities. The HTLTC is seeking diverse skills and experience, as well as geographical representation by members, to help advance the organization. The HTLTC is seeking motivated and passionate people with skills and experience including fundraising, marketing, knowledge of nature, land stewardship and agriculture, community engagement, finance, investment or estate planning.

For complete details, please download the Application Form for Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy Board of Directors – 100 KB (medium-sized) PDF file.

Opportunity to Apply for the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy’s Board of Directors – Three (3) Positions Available

Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) gives people a local way to make a positive difference by helping protect and restore land, water and nature in the historic Huron Tract area within Huron, Lambton, Middlesex and Perth counties. HTLTC was created in 2011 by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF), a registered Canadian charity.

HTLTC currently protects more than 275 acres of land. The mission of the HTLTC is to ensure a land legacy, with a vision of an inspired community that values and protects natural habitat.

HTLTC is a proud member of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA).
More information about HTLTC may be found on the HTLTC website.

HTLTC is recruiting three members to serve as Directors on the HTLTC Board. The HTLTC’s area is a dynamic landscape, comprised of diverse natural areas, productive farmland, as well as small and large communities. The HTLTC is seeking diverse skills and experience, as well as geographical representation by members, to help advance the organization. The HTLTC is seeking motivated and passionate people with skills and experience including fundraising, marketing, knowledge of nature, land stewardship and agriculture, community engagement, finance, investment or estate planning.

Duties and responsibilities of Board Members:

• To be legally and ethically responsible for all activities of Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy
• To ensure the organization best serves its mission, by providing governance oversight
• To establish policies for the effective management of the organization
• To serve on at least one HTLTC committee (e.g., Property Management Committee) or take on a special assignment
• To participate in volunteer activities (e.g., fundraising campaigns, land stewardship, outreach events)
• To be a member of the HTLTC or have the ability to become a member of the HTLTC
• To be familiar with and adhere to all HTLTC policies
• If desired and, upon nomination, to serve as an Officer of the Board (e.g., Chair, Vice-Chair) with additional roles and responsibilities

Time Commitment

• Attend a new director orientation session (ca. 4 hours)
• Attend and actively participate in at least 75% of board meetings (4 in-person board meetings annually, ca. 3 hours)
• Attend and actively participate in an HTLTC committee (approximately 4 meetings per year)
• Attend special events such as fundraisers and nature reserve celebrations

Length of Term

Two years (three-term limit)

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Applications may be submitted:

• Via email to info@htltc.ca
• Please include ‘HTLTC Board of Directors’ in the subject of the email.
• In person or mail at 71108 Morrison Line, Exeter ON N0M 1S5

Applicants will be contacted only if an interview is required. The Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy is an equal-opportunity organization, and welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Upon request, applicants will be notified of accessibility accommodations and assistive devices

Bayfield River Valley Trail Association, Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy invite you to ribbon cutting and hike at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) will be celebrating the completion of two projects at the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. The celebration is on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. The two organizations invite you to join them at the River Flats for a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an informative guided hike at 11 a.m.

The first of the two projects, at the nature area, is a new canoe and kayak launch. The second project is riverbank erosion protection using innovative natural means.

The project for natural protection of the riverbank, from erosion, is possible thanks to support from provincial and county partners. The project, which will include planting of native trees and shrubs in the spring, is restoring 300 square metres of riverbank and improving the natural fish habitat there.

The project team thanks 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).

A generous and significant donation from a community donor made the canoe and kayak launch possible. Building upon the foundation of that generosity, additional community donations have helped the fundraising committee reach and exceed a $20,000 goal to complete the project.

Max Morden is HTLTC Past Chair. He thanked BRVTA and its volunteers for all the work they have done to make the nature area what it is today. He also thanked the Bayfield and area community for its continued generosity.

“The Bayfield River Flats project is a wonderful example of how a community can come together, build partnerships, and create something very special for nature,” he said. “The Land Trust is very happy that we were able to play a key role, and we look forward to working with the community on many more projects in the future.”

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. To learn more, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page and the Bayfield Trails website.

Notice – Bayfield River Flats entrance and parking lot closed to all public access, during construction, until further notice

Two exciting enhancement projects are taking place at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area and, during the construction phase in September-October 2025, the entrance and parking lot will be closed to all public access until further notice.

The area of construction will also not be accessible to the public.

One of the enhancement projects is using innovative natural means to reduce riverbank erosion and the other concurrent project is to install a new canoe and kayak launch.

Both projects will benefit the nature area in the long term and the brief closure, estimated to be around four weeks, is required to make these enhancements possible.

The project construction was awarded following a tender.

The contractor is expected to begin work on or around Monday, September 8, 2025 and the closure remains in effect until further notice. (At this time, it is expected the work will take about four weeks or so to complete).

There may be some public access, under the pedestrian walkway under the bridge, to some non-construction areas.

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association and the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy would like to acknowledge all the partners making these trail enhancements possible.

The project to use innovative natural techniques to reduce riverbank erosion is possible thanks to provincial and county partners including the lead funder for that project, the Province of Ontario through the Ontario Community Environment Fund (OCEF).

A generous and significant donation, by a community donor, made the canoe and kayak launch possible. Additional community donations are helping the fundraising committee to reach the fundraising goal of a total of $20,000 to complete the canoe and kayak launch project. Any donations raised, over the fundraising goal, will go towards maintenance of the trail.

The Bayfield and area community showed its generous support, for the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area, at a celebration and meet-and-greet event at Bayfield Town Hall. About 50 people attended the celebration evening on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Generous donors and silent auction bidders helped to raise thousands of dollars towards the canoe and kayak launch project.

Cathy Lalonde, Chair of the Canoe and Kayak Launch Fundraising Committee, provided a land acknowledgement underlining the shared responsibility we all have to protect and steward the environment. “Bayfield Trails shares that mission, by maintaining places where we can all experience the benefits and importance of the nature around us,” she said.

She expressed thanks for a significant donation by a community donor, prior to the August 27 event. That generous donation ensures the canoe and kayak launch will be able to proceed. Building on that foundation, the fundraising committee is working to reach a total goal of $20,000 to complete the project. The event at town hall has put the finish line in sight.

She thanked everyone who came to the event and thanked all the donors, project partners, the trail association, the land trust, and the fundraising committee members. She also thanked Michael Finkbeiner, Senior Investment Advisor with Wellington-Altus, for his sponsorship of the evening. She also thanked Tyler Hessel and 1851 Bayfield Landing for having provided a cash bar at the event.

Municipality of Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp brought greetings from the municipality. He thanked the community for its generous support of projects past and present. That support made it possible to purchase the river flats and, later, to connect Bayfield and the nature area with a pedestrian walkway. Now, further community support is making it possible to add a canoe and kayak launch. He thanked the donors and project partners. “That’s what it’s all about, everybody working together,” he said. He said the canoe and kayak launch “will be used a lot.” He also made a generous donation to the project.

Local historian Dave Gillians provided historic context about the importance of the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area and the amazing community mobilization that made its purchase possible.

Kelly Vader, President of Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA), spoke about a companion project to protect fish habitat and to use innovative natural means to protect a stretch of riverbank from erosion.

Nathan Schoelier, Ausable Bayfield Conservation’s stewardship, lands and education manager, and a staff advisor to Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC), provided a brief overview on the work of the land trust. He mentioned the five properties, including the river flats, that are permanently preserved thanks to the generous donors, to the land trust, who have left a lasting local nature legacy.

In addition to the short remarks made throughout the evening, there was also lots of time for Bayfield and area neighbours to mingle; enjoy hors-d’œuvres and a beverage, and to bid on silent auction items in support of the canoe and kayak launch project.

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. To learn more, visit the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website. If you would like to donate to the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area canoe and kayak launch project, donation details are on the Bayfield River Flats web page. Any funds raised, in addition to the fundraising goal, will go towards maintenance of the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.

Protection, enhancement of Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is possible thanks to vision, generosity of Bayfield and area community

There are two new projects, in 2025, to further enhance Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. One project is to create a canoe and kayak launch. The other project is to use innovative natural means to protect the riverbank from erosion. These enhancements are the latest community-supported improvements to a property that has a long and important history for Bayfield.

People walking the trails can learn about the rich historical tapestry, of this riverfront property, by reading interpretive signs at the nature area. From its use by indigenous people hundreds of years ago to its use by anglers today, Bayfield River Flats has been a thriving habitat for fish. It has been site of a dam and a river crossing. It was home to the former Thompson’s Mill. The ruins of the mill and the old dam, which was also the first bridge across the Bayfield River, are still visible at the site. The Flats was also used for marina storage for many years.

At one time, in 1820, this site was even proposed to be the naval harbour. During Bayfield’s early years, until 1900, “ … this tranquil woodland setting was the site of Thomson’s Mill. Until the saw and gristmill were fully operational in the 1840s, area pioneers had to hand saw their lumber and carry their grain on their backs on deer paths to Goderich for milling.”

The illustrious history of the Bayfield River Flats is featured in an article, by Ben Forrest, in Huron-Perth Boomers magazine. The article is called ‘Preserving the Huron Tract: Land Trust Conservancy is preserving donated land in the Huron Tract for future generations.’ The article includes an historical illustration of Thomson’s Mill, circa 1890. It also includes an historical photo of the Bayfield Fish Reel. People walking the trail can even see a fishing net drying reel installed there.

Today, the nature area is a place to enjoy flora and fauna and reflect on a rich local history. This historic site might not have been preserved if it weren’t for the vision of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and the generosity of the Bayfield and area community. The natural area is owned by Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) and maintained by BRVTA volunteers at no cost to the public.

A fundraising campaign in 2017, led by the trail association, received donations from more than 220 individual donors and raised more than $70,000 to purchase the River Flats so the trail association could donate it to the land trust to be preserved permanently. Later, in 2023, a fundraising campaign was launched to create a new pedestrian walkway to make it possible for people to walk to the nature area from the village of Bayfield. The fundraising campaign raised more than $50,000 to make the walkway possible and the walkway was added in 2024.

In 2025, the project funders are asking the Bayfield and area community to help them reach a $20,000 fundraising goal for the canoe and kayak launch. A generous and significant donation from a local donor has the dream within reach and further donations are needed to complete the project.

A meet-and-greet community celebration and fundraiser is taking place in support of the 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.)

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.

Any donations received in excess of the funding goal will support long-term maintenance of the nature area.

To learn more, or to donate, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page. Visit the Land Trust website and the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website to find out more.

Meet-and-greet evening at Bayfield Town Hall celebrates Bayfield River Flats Natural Area projects, raises funds for canoe and kayak launch project

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) and Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) invite the public to an evening to celebrate and support projects to further enhance the Bayfield River Valley Flats Natural Area.

The meet-and-greet event, at Bayfield Town Hall, takes place Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The evening runs from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is billed as “ … an evening of fun, togetherness, learning, and positive community action …”

There will be chances to mingle and to hear brief remarks from presenters about the history of the Bayfield River Flats and about the trail association and land trust. There is also a chance to learn about two projects taking place at the nature area: one to build a canoe and kayak launch; and another to protect fish habitat and to use innovative natural means to protect a stretch of riverbank from erosion.

Cathy Lalonde is Chair of the Canoe and Kayak Launch Project Fundraising Committee. “We invite you to attend this enjoyable evening to learn about exciting improvements at Bayfield River Flats, to share fellowship with your neighbours, and to show your support,” she said.

Thanks go to the sponsor of the evening, Michael Finkbeiner, Senior Investment Advisor with Wellington-Altus.

Tyler Hessel and 1851 Bayfield Landing will provide a cash bar at the event. There will also be hors-d’œuvres served.

A generous and significant donation from a community donor means the canoe and kayak launch is a dream that is poised to become reality. The BRVTA fundraising team is asking the Bayfield and area community to help the project reach a $20,000 fundraising goal to complete the canoe and kayak launch project. Any funds raised in addition to this goal, will go towards maintenance of the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area.

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. To learn more, or to donate, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page and the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website.

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.

The Grand Bend and area community celebrated an extraordinary gift on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Peter Warner and his late wife Esther donated 55 acres in Grand Bend to the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy. Named the Warner Preserve, this legacy protects a significant natural area comprised of mature Carolinian forest, meadows, and wetlands.

The property, originally named Merrywood Farm, was purchased by Peter and Esther Warner in 1988 from two of Grand Bend’s historic figures, Eric and Ella McIlroy. The McIlroys owned and operated the famous Lakeview Casino during the days of the big band era, and raised and trained racehorses.

Over the years Peter and Esther worked hard to improve the natural features of the property, and planted more than 10,000 native trees.

“We just fell in love with the place,” says Peter. “We felt so lucky to live in this beautiful oasis, right in the heart of Grand Bend.”

Although this property was slated by the Municipality of Lambton Shores for future residential development, Peter and Esther had different ideas. Their vision was that the property be protected as a refuge for wildlife and nature, and used for outdoor nature education for children and adults.

To help develop their vision, Peter and Esther approached the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy. The mission of the Land Trust is to hold and conserve natural areas and protect them for future generations.

“We live in a critical time when precious natural areas are under pressure,” says Land Trust Chair Max Morden. “We’re so happy that we’ve been able to help Peter and Esther realize their dream.”

Peter is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Grand Bend, which became an enthusiastic community partner, providing seed money to get the project off the ground. At Autumn Indulgence, the Club’s gala fundraiser, a further $55,000 was raised from the community to create an arboretum. The newly planted arboretum now includes more than 70 species of native trees, including some Carolinian species not generally seen this far north. Says Grand Bend Rotary Club President Kerry Teskey, “The Warner Preserve is a perfect opportunity to foster in people – both young and old – a love and appreciation of nature. It’s a priceless gift.”

In addition to the Rotary Club of Grand Bend, The Lawson Foundation provided essential seed money. Thanks also go to the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund, which funded the creation of 1,000 metres of accessible trails on the property.

The Sunset Community Foundation sponsored this launch.

As a refuge and protected area, the Warner Preserve will be used for educational activities and events, but will be open to the public by invitation only.

In photo below, donor Peter Warner (at far right) helps to plant a ceremonial tree on the occasion of the Warner Preserve launch ceremony on June 15, 2024.

Ceremony launches opening of new pedestrian walkway at Bayfield River Flats Natural Area

Several partners attend June 7, 2024 launch in Bayfield to open pedestrian walkway, linking community with nature

A new pedestrian walkway now links the village of Bayfield with the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area. People no longer have to drive from town to reach the nature area and they no longer have to walk across Highway 21 to get there.

Generous community donors and funding partners have raised more than $70,000 to build the new walkway. Construction is complete and the path to nature is now open.

A number of community partners attended an opening ceremony, on Friday, June 7, 2024, to launch the newly constructed path, underneath the highway bridge, which links the community with nature. Local musicians played violins prior to the afternoon event. The ceremony began with acknowledgement of indigenous peoples of the area.

The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is owned and permanently preserved by Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC) and maintained by volunteers of Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA).

Roger Lewington is Past Chair of the Land Trust and a leader of the Pedestrian Walkway fundraising campaign committee of BRVTA. He provided thanks, at the launch ceremony, to the many community partners, and hundreds of volunteers and donors, who made the pedestrian walkway possible.

“It’s pretty amazing …” what community volunteers and donors have accomplished, he said. He extended “ … a special thanks to our Bayfield River Flats committee and fundraising team …”

Max Morden, Chair of the Land Trust, thanked BRVTA and their fundraising team for the work they put into the walkway project. “This is an amazing community, you’re an amazing group,” he said.

“Thank you to the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association for the incredible work they’ve done, for their vision in bringing this together, for their passion and perseverance to bring this to fruition,” he said. “They couldn’t have done it without the support of the community, the volunteers and donors who’ve supported this. Thanks to you all for the way you’ve supported this project.” He called the walkway project “ … a tremendous example of what can be done when a community comes together and forms partnerships and does something really special for nature.”

The HTLTC Chair thanked the Municipality of Bluewater for their support. The municipality, he said, “ … really got behind this project in a big way to ensure its success.” He also thanked the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) “ … who really came through and went the extra mile to make sure this … got completed.”

Dawson Hallahan, student intern with the office of Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, attended the ceremony on her behalf.

“I would like to thank you all for having me here today to represent MPP Thompson,” he said. The MPP is Ontario’s Minister of Rural Affairs. “Seeing something like this in her riding and in a rural community is something she loves to see,” Hallahan said. “It’s truly a special moment to appreciate the hard work and the collaboration that went into making this project a reality,” he said.

In remarks from the MPP, shared with the crowd, the attendees heard that “ … it is an absolute pleasure to celebrate the completion of the under-bridge pedestrian path to the Bayfield River Flats … this new pathway is a significant achievement, providing a safe and convenient route for our villagers to enjoy the stunning parkland without having to navigate the busy highway..”

MPP Lisa Thompson’s remarks continued that: “The Bayfield River Flats is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together. The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association and their incredible team of volunteers, and their trail blazers led by Peter Jeffers, have transformed this area into a true community treasure. Their hard work and dedication have created beautiful new pathways and a butterfly meadow that will be enjoyed by all. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each volunteer for their tireless efforts. Your commitment has made the Bayfield River Flats safer and more accessible, enriching our community in countless ways. Thank you again to everyone involved. Together we are building a stronger and more connected community.”

The Mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater, Paul Klopp, extended thanks to MPP Thompson and to MTO for their roles in the project. He also thanked B. M. Ross and Associates Ltd. for their work and support of the project. Despite budgetary pressures, Mayor Klopp said the municipal council wanted to support the walkway project.

“We really felt this was the right thing to do and the right time and it’s going to be good for the community,” he said. The community support for the walkway “… shows the spirit of the area here,” he said. “To all of you who have taken the time to be here today, it shows what it is all about … you make Bluewater proud.”

Kelly Vader is BRVTA President.

“Anyone who has made the dash across the highway knows this will be a really great addition to the trail system in Bayfield,” she said. “Hopefully people who come to Bayfield to see the downtown will see there’s an easy way to get to the other parts of Bayfield that they maybe don’t know exist, the beautiful river and these beautiful natural areas, so I think this is a really great opportunity.”

She thanked the entire BRVTA fundraising team. “Without their vision and tireless work this would not happen,” she said. “They’re the reason we’re all here and that this has gone so well … I just want to thank them.”

The launch ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting to officially open the walkway.

Visit the Land Trust website and the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website to find out more. To learn more about the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area and Pedestrian Walkway, visit the Bayfield River Flats web page.

NEW PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY OPENED AT BAYFIELD RIVER FLATS NATURAL AREA – A number of community partners attended a June 7 launch ceremony to mark the opening of a new pedestrian walkway at the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area, thanks to a successful community fundraising campaign. Shown cutting the ribbon, for the new pedestrian walkway linking the village of Bayfield with the Bayfield River Flats Natural Area, are (front row, from left to right), Dave Gillians, of Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA); Paul Klopp, Mayor of the Municipality of Bluewater; Kelly Vader, BRVTA President; Max Morden, Chair of the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy (HTLTC); and Helen Varekamp, of BRVTA. Behind them are some of the partners, in the pedestrian walkway project, who attended the opening ceremony launch of the walkway.

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 property will be closed to all public access during construction.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Bayfield River Flats Natural Area to be closed from April 29 to June 15, 2024 for construction of pedestrian walkway

The Bayfield River Flats Natural Area is to be closed for public access between April 29, 2024 until June 15, 2024 while construction takes place of a pedestrian walkway.

Read the Notice here:

• Bayfield River Flats to be closed during walkway construction

A public notice will be issued when the nature area is reopened for public access.

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 visit the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association website to find out more.