On January 23 the Government of Canada, through its Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) Canada Community Revitalization Fund, announced major funding to the Bruce Trail Conservancy to support a Trail Network Improvement Project at Hogg’s Falls in Grey County.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Beaver Valley Club is leading a multi-partner project to address the growing infrastructure and environmental stewardship needs at the popular Hogg’s Falls area. When finished, the project will also significantly improve the attractiveness of the area as a four-season outdoor destination for local residents and for visitors from across the province.

The project follows two years of planning by a group of community partners including: the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s Beaver Valley Club, Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, Grey County, Municipality of Grey Highlands, Niagara Escarpment Commission, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and Ontario Parks. The project has also been made possible by: funds from the Bruce Trail Conservancy, Grey County and the Municipality of Grey Highlands; donations of services and materials from local businesses; and the provision of all management and construction labour by local volunteers of the Beaver Valley Club.

This project will include the construction of three major footbridges over the Boyne River and its tributaries, over 600 feet of new boardwalks over environmentally sensitive wetlands, new navigation and educational signage, and new and re-routed trail, including new shorter loop trails for more casual hikers. 

“Wider bridges and boardwalks, the creation of new trails, shorter trail loops and new, more accessible signage will improve the visitor experience and mitigate the damage to this environmentally sensitive area.” explains Adam Brylowski, Manager of Conservation and Trail for the Bruce Trail Conservancy, 

Bruce Trail Conservancy CEO Michael McDonald adds, “This investment from the Government of Canada will enhance the Bruce Trail Conservancy’s work to safely connect people with the Niagara Escarpment, safeguard its habitats for future generations, and work with partners to support strong communities.”

On-site work has begun and the Trail Network Improvement Project at Hogg’s Falls is expected to be completed early this summer.

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For media requests contact communications@brucetrail.org

More information about the FedDev Ontario, Canada Community Revitalization Fund 

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About The Bruce Trail Conservancy

Bruce Trail Conservancy is one of Ontario’s largest land trusts that acquires, protects and restores the vulnerable habitat and biodiversity of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. For more than 50 years, we have responsibly connected people to nature through the Bruce Trail. We are a member-driven, volunteer-based, charitable organization, governed by a 19-member Board of Directors. Working with each of the nine Bruce Trail Clubs, we are committed to caring for the Bruce Trail and to preserving land along its route.