Willoughby

The Ontario Heritage Trust (the Trust) owns the natural property known as Willoughby at the base of Scott Street. The Willoughby property was acquired in order to protect its significant natural heritage values and to provide a secure route for the Bruce Trail. The Willoughby property also provides habitat for many important species. The Trust works with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) to ensure the protection of this sensitive area.

Special notice

The Trust and CVC will be constructing a pedestrian trail parallel to the right-of-way. Trail construction work will begin after November 25, 2019. The anticipated trail completion date is Fall 2020.

Willoughby Scott Street Trail map — This map illustrates the new trail’s relative location on the property.

Please refer to the FAQs below for more information.

Why are you creating a new trail?

A new trail is being created to maximize safety and to ensure that the trail journey at our Willoughby property remains a good experience.

By creating a new trail that is parallel to the right-of-way, we are offering pedestrians a better and safer alternative for hiking.

The new trail was identified as the best solution to reduce safety concerns and conflict along the right-of-way.

Will the Trust close the right-of-way?

The Trust’s priority is to maintain public access to the Willoughby property that:

Does not contravene our legal responsibilities
Effectively addresses safety issues for all users on the property.

The right-of-way will be open while the trail is being constructed. Once the trail has been constructed, the Trust will be encouraging all pedestrians to use it.

Is this trail part of the Management Plan for the Belfountain Conservation Area?

Yes, the conceptual trail route was assessed by CVC (property managers) and the Trust (property owner) and was included in the Belfountain Conservation Area Management Plan, which was approved by the CVC Board of Directors in August 2018 and by the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC) in February 2019. The NEC approval of the plan and trail exempts the trail from development permit control.

Who is building the trail?

Construction of the trail will be undertaken by CVC capital projects staff (in-house). It is anticipated to be completed by the Fall 2020 (weather permitting).

How does this trail affect the Bruce Trail on the property?

The new trail will be a 250-metre (820-foot) footpath connecting Scott Street to the existing Crow’s Nest Loop Side Trail that links to the Bruce Trail. The new trail will be an alternative access point to the Bruce Trail.

Will you be cutting any trees to build the trail?

Yes. To ensure that the new trail is safe for public use, potentially hazardous trees have been identified by CVC and flagged for removal. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has provided permission to remove those identified trees along the new trail route and has also recommended restoration work to re-establish lost habitat.

Will you be harming or reducing any habitat by creating this trail?

No. Habitat preservation measures have been integrated into the trail creation plan. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has given permission to remove the specific trees along the new trail route as long as the impacted habitat is re-established and restored. The Trust and CVC will undertake tree planting and habitat structure installation in order to re-establish any potentially affected habitat.

Where can I park to access the trail?

Parking is not available at this trail head. Paid vehicle parking is available at the Belfountain Conservation Area – located at 10 Credit Park Street, Belfountain, Ontario. [map]

Note: Admission and parking fees are required at Belfountain Conservation Area, regardless of possession of a Bruce Trail membership. Belfountain Conservation Area is closed seasonally from November through April.

Who can I contact for additional information?

If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Kevin De Mille at programs@heritagetrust.on.ca.

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Willoughby

Special notice

Please refer to the FAQs below for more information.