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NVCA reports significant increase in visitor numbers

December 7, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Nottawasaga Conservation Authority (NVCA) is reporting a huge increase in visitors to its conservation area lands over the past five years.

At the NVCA’s November 2023 board meeting, it was reported that visitor numbers have increased tenfold over the last five years.

The NVCA is keeping up with infrastructure and maintenance needs to improve the visitor experience. This includes a new parking lot installed at the Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation area. The Bluffs is one of the NVCA’s most popular conservation areas.

The Board of Directors also approved the use of the New Lowell Reserve fund for washroom repairs at the New Lowell campground.

At the board meeting, Kyra Howes, NVCA’s Director of Conservation, gave a presentation regarding the NVCA’s conservation lands program.

NVCA owns approximately 5,300 hectares of land across the Nottawasaga watershed. These lands are used for flood protection, land conservation and recreation purposes.

Throughout the watershed, NVCA owns and manages three hydrometric stations, seven snow survey locations, four flood protection structures, and six properties that are protected for flood abatement.

There are over 42 km of multi-use trails in its conservation areas. The trails are made accessible whenever possible.

Lands that are not open for visitors contain significant natural heritage features, such as provincially significant wetlands, natural hazards, and other sensitive features.

To ensure adequate funding for conservation area maintenance, NVCA’s Conservation Lands program charges parking fees and rents out venues for weddings and other event bookings.

The NVCA partners with many local organizations to maintain conservation areas and hot festivals such as the Spring Tonic Maple Syrup Festival and the Festival at Fort Willow.

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