Residents in the St. Clair Region watershed can expect some trail and property closures so that improvements to amenity conditions and accessibility can be completed. Thanks to a number of government and local funding streams and donations, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) will undertake several projects at a number of Conservation Areas throughout the summer and fall.

“We are always looking for opportunities and funding to improve our Conservation Areas,” said Greg Wilcox, Manager of Conservation Areas at the SCRCA, “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.”

The affected Conservation Areas include Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area in Sarnia, Coldstream Conservation Area in Middlesex Centre, 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,” said Wilcox.

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. Other funders include Envirofriends of Coldstream and Poplar Hill Lions (Coldstream Conservation Area bridge replacement), and Nature London (Coldstream Conservation Area parking lot expansion). A generous donation received from local residents in 2021 will be used towards parking lot improvements at the Clark Wright Conservation Area, in hopes that spring closures due to muddy conditions are reduced.

For information on the SCRCA’s Conservation Areas, please visit our Service Disruptions Page