(North Bay, ON. August 22, 2023) Two boardwalks on the main trail at Laurier Woods Conservation Area are being replaced this fall. Access to the trails will be inaccessible due to construction, making closure of Laurier Woods and all its trails necessary from September 5 to October 10.
“Laurier Woods Conservation Area is an ecological haven that offers recreation, tourism, scientific research, and educational opportunities. When completed, the replacement of these boardwalks will help protect the ecology and contribute to the trail users’ enjoyment of this significant property,” said Dave Britton, Chair of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).
The $69,900 project consists of a 25 foot and 65 foot boardwalk with funding from NBMCA as well as the funds raised by Friends of Laurier Woods (FLW).
“Thanks to the fundraising efforts of Friends of Laurier Woods (FLW), this project is able to go ahead,” said April McClellan, FLW Vice President. “Community support for this was amazing and demonstrates this gem we have in the heart of the city”, she added.
FLW and NBMCA who co-own Laurier Woods Conservation Area ask that the public refrain from entering Laurier Woods for any reason during the closure. Closure signs will be posted at the Brule St. and Laurier Avenue entrances to Laurier Woods.
“The boardwalks are at a key location and their replacement will improve the trail users’ access. The closure will ensure the work is done as quickly as possible so users can get back to enjoying the trails by mid-October,” said Chitra Gowda, NBMCA CAO.
The Laurier Woods Conservation Area is owned and managed jointly by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority and the Friends of Laurier Woods. The 240 acre conservation area encompasses a provincially significant wetland, rocky outcrops and upland forest, and is a sanctuary to a broad range of wetland and woodland creatures and migrating birds. The trailhead is located off Brule St., just off Franklin St.
“For everyone’s safety we ask that the public stay out of the Conservation Area,” added Troy Storms, NBMCA Manager of Lands & Stewardship. “We understand that this will be an inconvenience for some. However, the replacement of the boardwalks is necessary,” he added.
North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario responsible for watershed management on behalf of local municipalities, stakeholders, and the province.
The public can follow NBMCA on the web at nbmca.ca, Facebook (@theNBMCA), X (@theNBMCA) and Instagram (nbmcainfo).
-30-
Media Contacts:
Friends of Laurier Woods: April McClellan, Vice President 416-530-1718
NBMCA: Sue Buckle, Manager Communications & Outreach. 705-474-5420