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Hamilton Conservation Authority Reopens Areas For Passive Use



With the recent announcement of provincial parks reopening for passive use, and after consultation with the City of Hamilton’s Emergency Operations Centre, HCA will begin preparations to re-open its conservation areas.

On Wednesday, May 13, Hamilton Conservation Authority conservation areas will be accessible for passive recreation only, such as hiking, biking and bird-watching. All on-site facilities (including washroom buildings, pavilions, Trail Centre and gatehouses, etc.) will remain closed. Camping and marina operations will resume at a later date following provincial directions and waterfall and escarpment areas will reopen last.

The areas opening on May 13 include:

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

Waterfall and escarpment areas are not included in this opening due to their limited size and capacity to physical distance. The areas that remain closed include:

  • Dundas Peak
  • Spencer Gorge
  • Devil’s Punchbowl
  • Tews Falls
  • Borer’s Falls
  • Tiffany Falls
  • Webster Falls

All visitors must follow emergency measures and guidelines to allow these trails to remain open safely.
Such measures will be posted onsite and include:

  • Practice physical distancing by staying 2 metres (6 feet) apart from other trail 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

Trail etiquette is always important, and responsible public use will allow us to safely operate these areas.

Please respect the closures for the safety of our staff and the community. City of Hamilton bylaw staff will be patrolling these areas and cars parked illegally may be subject to tickets of up to $250 in the special enforcement areas

Off-season admission fees will apply. Most Hamilton Conservation Authority areas are accessible by auto-gates and can be accessed with our membership pass or electronic methods of payment. Membership pass sales and renewals will continue to be processed online through https://conservationhamilton.ca/product-category/hca-membership/ and sent out to purchasers by mail.

How will current HCA membership pass holders be compensated for the closure?

HCA will extend valid passholder’s expiry dates for the length of our closure. If you renew online, we will automatically add the additional days to your membership. New passes will have the expiry date of May 31, 2021.

HCA 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. No access to the building will be permitted. Appointments will be available Monday through Friday, 9 AM until NOON.

If you have additional questions, please contact us, or they may be answered in our COVID-19 FAQ

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