New parking area, wayfinding, trail system and educational signage coming soon.
An exciting project is underway to improve access to the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby. Members of the community are invited to attend two upcoming information sessions in July and August to learn more.
This enhancement project supports the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority’s (NPCA) strategic goal of connecting people to nature by improving visitor access and services at its conservation areas. The project will also improve the visitor experience with better parking and upgraded recreational features, such as accessible trail systems, wayfinding and interpretive signage.
Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is renowned as the best vantage point in the Niagara Peninsula to observe the annual spring hawk migration. It is part of the internationally designated Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, featuring significant ecological features such as sedimentary rock and prominent cliffs, more than 300 diverse native plant species, and two distinct waterfalls. The conservation area also offers one of Niagara’s most breath-taking and panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.
The proposed Beamer Memorial Conservation Area Enhancement Project will include:
- a new parking area with various Low Impact Development elements;
- new interpretive and wayfinding signage;
- new features to support outdoor recreation;
- enhancements to support accessibility; and
- automated access gates.
“In the past few years, we have seen a significant increase in visitors and a greater demand for access to NPCA conservation areas, including Beamer Memorial,” says Adam Christie, Director of Conservation Areas at the NPCA. “Through this enhancement project we aim to improve access to greenspace and opportunities for people to connect with nature, while showcasing our commitment to sustainable practices.”
An important part of this project is ensuring the watershed community remains informed and is given opportunities to provide feedback. The NPCA invites community members to attend an in-person information session on Thursday, July 27 at the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation, and a virtual session on Thursday, Aug. 17. Details on the two events and more information about the project can be found at the Get Involved NPCA portal. The portal includes project documents, a project timeline, frequently asked questions, and tools for providing feedback.
For more information on the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area and NPCA, visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates.
About NPCA:
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With more than 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
