Cataraqui Conservation will begin to re-open public access to some of its conservation areas and the Cataraqui Trail for passive use starting Saturday, with strict measures in place for all users to continue to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cataraqui Conservation and Full Authority Board (municipal representatives) said in a release they recognize the health benefits their properties provide to watershed residents and take the safety of staff, visitors, and the community very seriously, especially during these unprecedented times. At the Full Authority Board meeting held on April 22, members and staff weighed all options, information available, and considered recommendations from many sources including the province of Ontario, local municipalities, fellow conservation authorities, Ontario Public Health, local health officials (Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit and Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health) as well as feedback from the community to make this important decision.
Cataraqui Conservation notes the number of cases of Coronavirus appear to be levelling off in the Kingston Frontenac, Lennox & Addington area, however that is not the case in all areas of the region. On recommendations from the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, Mac Johnson Wildlife Area in the City of Brockville will remain closed at this time. Staff and health officials will be monitoring local information closely and consider next steps and possible re-opening of these properties over the next few weeks.
In support of this decision to partially re-open some of our conservation areas, the following measures are being put in place in order to facilitate a safe and appropriate “re-opening” of these areas. Additional signage and restrictions will be implemented over the coming week.
All trail users must practice physical distancing of at least two metres between themselves and other users, both on the trails and in parking areas;
Parking lots in certain areas will be reduced to limit visitor volume, please park in designated areas and adhere to no-parking signage (particularly at entrances, access roads and along municipal roads);
All visitors must refrain from gathering in groups of five or more at any one time;
All conservation area amenities (touch points) remain closed, this includes washrooms/privies, picnic benches, boardwalks, pavilions, benches, and beaches; and
What is re-opening starting April 25, 2020:
Cataraqui Trail (Strathcona to Smith Falls)
Parrott’s Bay Conservation Area (Loyalist Township)
Lemoine Point Conservation Area (City of Kingston)
Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area (City of Kingston)
Gould Lake Conservation Area (Township of South Frontenac)
Lyn Valley Conservation Area (Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley)
