The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is closing some trails and properties while renovations are completed this summer and fall.
A news release said the improvements include new amenities and more accessibility. The authority received funding from governments and local funding streams to complete several projects this year.
“We are always looking for opportunities and funding to improve our conservation areas,” Greg Wilcox, manager of conservation areas at the SCRCA, said in the release.
“The projects we plan to complete this year will extend the life of our trail systems and help us create more accessible environments for everyone to enjoy and connect with the outdoors.”
Properties that will be closed include Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area in Sarnia, Coldstream Conservation Area in Middlesex Center and the Clark Wright and Strathroy Conservation Areas located in and around the Strathroy region.
Residents will be advised of upcoming closures through local media and the authority’s website and social media channels.
“While we do hope to provide a good amount of advanced notice of these closures, it will be dependent on our contractors’ availability and schedule,” Wilcox said.
Many of the projects are being funded through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, which has granted the SCRCA with approximately $250,000 to complete trail upgrades.
Envirofriends of Coldstream and Poplar Hill Lions (Coldstream Conservation Area bridge replacement) and Nature London (Coldstream Conservation Area parking lot expansion) are also providing funding.
A donation received from residents in 2021 will be used towards parking lot improvements at the Clark Wright Conservation Area as a way to reduce spring closures due to muddy conditions, the release said.