Barker’s Bush Trail loop and access is open

MEDIA RELEASE -

County of Brant, ON – The Barker’s Bush trail is reopened to the public with the trail connection of the new boardwalk complete. Access between the east and west sides of Barker’s Bush is now open.

Work will continue further down the outlet as materials become available. Temporary trail interruptions and pedestrian detours will be required for the delivery of material and movement of equipment across the new trail. Site restoration and planting will occur this fall.

Trail users are asked to please obey trail signage, avoid any construction areas and navigate the trail with caution.

Thank you for your patience We apologize for the inconvenience during this time. Losani applied to build the Nith Peninsula Development in 2016. At that time, the County heard from a number of residents who were concerned about preserving Barkers Bush. The County required Losani to complete a number of studies before their application could proceed. In 2017, working through the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal process, the County of Brant was able to gain a number of achievements that respected the environment and addressed many of the concerns put forward by the community.

The achievements included:

•Protecting the natural environment. Losani Homes agreed to exchange lands with the County of Brant which allowed the County to gain ownership over Barkers Bush (100 acres) and 40 acres of the former Gurney Sand and Gravel Pit lands. The County is now able to protect the environmentally sensitive area known as Barkers Bush.

•Offering new trails and connections to the existing trails in Barkers Bush

•Using the stormwater management pond as a buffer to Barkers Bush. Losani Homes will build a stormwater management pond which will be a naturalized area on the north end of the development. This will provide a natural buffer from new residential backyards and Barkers Bush

If you have questions regarding the work, contact Network Sewer and Watermains at 519-223-2270 or regarding the development, Losani Homes at 905-643-2491.

Barker’s Bush trail, shown above, is now reopen to the public, with trail connection of the new board walk completed. The County anticipates there will be further temporary interruptions and detours in the months ahead as construction continues on the Nith River Peninsula subdivision built by Losani Homes.

The opening day of the Paris Fair provided some chills, thrills, excitement and one beautiful sunset! Catch next week’s Paris Independent for a full photo spread by the talented Michelle Malvaso