Plans unveiled for first phase of Watts Pond Trail

By Casandra Turnbull

The County of Brant wants to hear your feedback as it prepares to develop the new Watt’s Pond Trail in the north end of Paris.

This trail will provide an immersive experience through a meandering and intertwined trail network engulfed in native meadow vegetation and bordered by Watt’s Pond, according to the description on EngageBrant website.

Since the new trail system will be located in an area of high ecological integrity, close to environmental sensitive areas, such as Heron nesting locations, the purpose of the trail will be strictly passive There will be no park-like features, only the occasional seating area to rest. The trail will be accessible from three different locations – off the pedestrian connection from Drake Avenue and two entrances off Hartley Ave, located on each side of the stormwater management pond.

The park’s scheduled construction will take place in phases Phase 1, spanning from Drake Avenue to the current termination point on Hartley Ave is planned for 2024.

According to EngageBrant, planning for this trail was initiated when the subdivision plans were filed with the county in 2016 so development charges will fund the trail construction in this phase.

There was no further indication whether future phases would be covered by development fees. The trail will continue to expand as the subdivision development grows.

Below is a view of the Watts Pond Trail phase 1 features. The trail will have plenty of pollinators and give residents a chance to escape into nature.

Some features of the park include:

1 km of meandering trails, 2m wide limestone screening pathway, accessible and delineated surfacing with running slopes, meadow and pollinator plantings (we are designated Bee County), native trees and vegetation, seating nodes with site furnishings such as benches, picnic tables and waste receptacles, trailhead kiosks and interpretive signage and trail-side armour stone seating for resting. Online engagement closes on April 1st . Visit EngageBrant to have your say.

Phase 1 of the Watts Pond Trail (pictured above in orange) is set to begin this year. The County of Brant is asking for public feedback, which closes on April 1, 2024.

If you want to be a volunteer firefighter, now is the time to apply

By Casandra Turnbull

If you’re looking for a rewarding way to give back to your community, while developing new life saving skills, you might want to consider becoming a volunteer firefighter.

The County of Brant Fire Department is recruiting new volunteers for all its stations. It’s a process they undergo every couple of years to fill positions opened by retirements and resignations The application process is open to interested candidates untilApril 2. If you have questions before applying or just want to find out some more general knowledge, attend an open house on Tuesday, March 26, at 7:00 pm at the Cainsville Fire Station, 17 Ewart Ave in Cainsville.

There are many challenging aspects of volunteer firefighting, aside from the obvious risks, but career flexibility and the ability to respond to calls in a timely fashion are two crucial requirements. Applicants must live within 8 kilometres of a county station However, there are extenuating circumstances, said County of Brant Fire Chief Geoff Hayman during a 2022 interview with the Paris Independent. “An example would be a firefighter who lives in one response area but has an occupation that is nearby another station.”

Applicants must apply online and if selected will be contacted by phone They will need to complete a written aptitude test, a group one-way interview, physical and mental abilities screening tests, an individual interview, and reference checks.

Successful individuals will then complete Fire Department Recruit Training that involves achieving the skill sets listed by the National Fire Protection Association standards, added Hayman. Additional training includes auto extrication, specialized rescue, hazardous materials, and medical response skills. Probation lasts for one year and if all milestones are achieved during that time, the volunteer will be accepted as a full member.

If you’re interested in applying, you can do so online.