UPDATE: NPCA PAUSING BEAMER MEMORIAL CONSERVATION AREA ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is committed to connecting people with nature and responsible visitor use management at our 41 conservation areas across the Niagara Peninsula watershed. Having listened to the public feedback at the July 27, 2023 public information session and acknowledging Grimsby Town Council’s Aug. 8, 2023 request, NPCA will pause its proposed Beamer Memorial Conservation Area Enhancement Project.

The project was intended to improve accessibility and address emerging parking and safety issues at the site. These critical needs will now be rolled into a comprehensive multi-year Management Plan process. The Management Plan will also address a range of issues that have come to light during the first phase of public engagement for this project. Details and timelines for the Management Plan, including public engagement opportunities will be widely shared. At this time, no decisions have been made regarding the timing of the management planning process.

We sincerely thank the public and our valued stakeholders for their early and passionate input, and we encourage those groups to continue to assist NPCA by continuing to be responsible stewards for this cherished conservation area.

There are many ways to support conservation, restoration and education initiatives within the Niagara Peninsula watershed. If you’re able to, we ask that you consider donating to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, which supports the next-generation “nature for all” conservation work of NPCA to ensure that greenspaces like Beamer are protected and remain accessible to our community and visitors to the watershed.

The Sept. 20, 2023 Virtual Public Open House that was planned for the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area Enhancement Project has been cancelled at this time. To remain updated on this initiative, please continue to follow this online engagement portal. Thank you.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome to the NPCA's Get Involved portal!

The NPCA has launched a new enhancement project for Beamer Memorial Conservation Area located in Grimsby. This enhancement project supports the NPCA's strategic goal of connecting people to nature by improving services and visitor experiences at NPCA properties. The project will improve the visitor experience through increased parking and new recreational features such as accessible trail systems, wayfinding, board walks, and educational 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. Beamer Memorial Conservation Area offers one of Niagara’s most breath-taking and panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.

The Beamer Memorial Conservation Area Enhancement Project includes:

• New parking area with various Low Impact Development elements
• New interpretive and educational signage
• New features to support outdoor recreation
• Enhancements to support accessibility
• Automatic access gates
  
  

ABOUT THIS PAGE:

This portal will house important documents that all are welcome to review, a project timeline which outlines the steps of this process, and tools for providing feedback. Our goal is to ensure the watershed community remains informed and given opportunities to provide their feedback and get involved.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

1. Learn about Beamer Memorial Conservation Area and the enhancement project by reviewing the documents available under Important Links & Documents.
2. Leave a comment or submit your feedback using the Guestbook. This feedback will be considered by staff throughout the project.
3. Ask us a question through the 'Q&A' tool available below.
4. Attend the public information session on July 27 (in person) or September 20 (virtually). Find details under 'Key Dates'.