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The Cheltenham Badlands is now closed for the season.
Master Plan
Over the course of several years – as required under the Niagara Escarpment Plan – the Trust, alongside eight partner organizations as part of the Cheltenham Badlands Management Planning Team (CBMPT), led a comprehensive public consultation and planning process to produce a final Master Plan (PDF | 8.3 MB) to guide property management and site development for the next 10 years.
The long-term goal for the Cheltenham Badlands Master Plan is to protect and enhance the site’s unique natural and cultural resources while providing opportunities for the public to appreciate its outstanding scenic beauty and participate in passive recreational activities. The Ontario Heritage Trust, with its property partners – the Credit Valley Conservation and the Bruce Trail Conservancy – will manage the property with this vision and long-term goal in mind and facilitate safe and controlled access for the public by improving accessibility and viewing through a system of boardwalks and trails. These improvements at the Badlands will help to preserve the site for future generations.
We would like to thank everyone who helped shape the vision and Master Plan for this uniquely beautiful site for their feedback, advice and input.
Cheltenham Badlands Management Planning Team (CBMPT)
Master Planning process
The CBMPT developed four guiding principles for its work in developing the Master Plan. These principles align directly with the Trust’s mandate and provided useful focus to the Master Plan discussions:
- conservation of the property’s cultural and natural heritage values
- safety for all individuals who visit the site
- improved accessibility for those who wish to access the site
- enhanced opportunities for interpretation and public education.
The Master Plan process was separated into four keys stages that began with gathering background information and identifying potential development opportunities and constraints on the Badlands property. At each stage, the Trust consulted with the public and stakeholders to present important information, analysis and develop options to enhance the visitor experience. The badlands property is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN). Engagement with the MCFN was conducted throughout the Master Plan process and focused on their interest in ensuring protection for the natural heritage of the site and assisting with the interpretation of its cultural heritage. Local business, residents, academics, accessibility committees and local municipal staff and conservation organizations all contributed to shaping the final, optimal solution for the Badlands.
