Several conservation areas in Hamilton to reopen this week

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) announced that some conservation areas would be reopening to the public on Wednesday (May 13).

The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) announced that some conservation areas would be reopening to the public on Wednesday (May 13).

In a press release issued Tuesday (May 12), HCA said that in accordance with the decision to reopen provincial parks for passive use and in consultation with Hamilton’s Emergency Operations Centre, several HCA areas will be open for passive recreational use.

All other buildings, washrooms, pavilions, etc. in the areas, however, will remain closed.

“Waterfall and escarpment areas, including Dundas Peak, Spencer Gorge, Devil’s Punchbowl and Tiffany Falls are not included in this opening due to their limited size and capacity to physical distance,” the release says.

“Camping and marina operations will resume at a later date following provincial directions and waterfall and escarpment areas will reopen last.”

The HCA areas that will reopen Wednesday include:

• Christie Lake
• Dundas Valley
• Eramosa Karst
• Fifty Point
• Fletcher Creek
• Valens Lake and Westfield Heritage Village

As with the reopening of the rail trails across the city this past weekend, the HCA says that all visitors must follow emergency measures and guidelines to allow these areas to remain open safely.

Such measures will be posted onsite and include:

• Practice physical distancing by staying two metres (six feet) apart from other users.
• Do not gather or arrange to meet friends or other groups.
• Pets must be leashed at all times.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• Use of picnic tables or pavilions is not permitted

Off-season admission fees will apply, the release says.

“Most Hamilton Conservation Authority areas are accessible by auto-gates and can be accessed with our membership pass or electronic methods of payment.”

Membership passes and renewals can be completed online here.

The HCA says for members who require immediate renewals due to an expired pass may call 905-525-2181 or email [email protected] to make an appointment for curbside pick-up at the reception area of the main office at 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster.

Photo courtesy Hamilton Conservation Authority’s Facebook page