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Welcome to the NPCA's Get Involved portal!
An exciting project is underway to enhance access to the Cave Springs Conservation Area, while maintaining important natural and cultural aspects of the site.
In the past few years, the NPCA has seen a significant increase in visitors and a greater demand for access to its properties, including Cave Springs. This conservation area is particularly popular because it is nestled into the Niagara Escarpment, a critical regional geological feature that maintains local plant and animal biodiversity. The area also provides spectacular views of Lake Ontario and supports excellent passive recreation opportunities like hiking and birdwatching. Access to this area is by the Bruce Trail only. There are no parking or visitor amenities leading to unauthorized access and parking and unsafe use of the site.
In 2016, a Cave Springs Conservation Area management plan was drafted after an extensive public engagement exercise. Building on this work, a major deliverable of this new project is to review and update this management plan to ensure it is aligned with the NPCA’s strategic plan and other relevant policies. Please refer to the FAQs for details on past engagement activities, the key issues that arose, and how this project will address them.
The Cave Springs Enhancement Project will benefit the community for present and future generations by:
protecting and highlighting the site's ecological and cultural significance
providing important access to greenspace and opportunities for people to connect with nature, and
showcasing the NPCA’s commitment to sustainable practices
The result of this project will include:
A completed Cave Springs Management Plan
Conservation Area enhancement (new parking area and improved accessible trail)
New trail system and wayfinding
New educational signage
Demolition of the Margaret Reed house and installation of interpretive features (see FAQs for details)
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.
Through this Get Involved NPCA portal, our goal is to ensure the watershed community remains informed and given opportunities to provide their feedback and get involved. With the enhancement work underway, we welcome you to learn more about the updates that will be made to this cherished conservation area and stay tuned on potential closures and future project milestones.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
1. Learn about Cave Springs Conservation Area and the enhancement project by reviewing the documents available under Important Links and 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.
Welcome to the NPCA's Get Involved portal!
An exciting project is underway to enhance access to the Cave Springs Conservation Area, while maintaining important natural and cultural aspects of the site.
In the past few years, the NPCA has seen a significant increase in visitors and a greater demand for access to its properties, including Cave Springs. This conservation area is particularly popular because it is nestled into the Niagara Escarpment, a critical regional geological feature that maintains local plant and animal biodiversity. The area also provides spectacular views of Lake Ontario and supports excellent passive recreation opportunities like hiking and birdwatching. Access to this area is by the Bruce Trail only. There are no parking or visitor amenities leading to unauthorized access and parking and unsafe use of the site.
In 2016, a Cave Springs Conservation Area management plan was drafted after an extensive public engagement exercise. Building on this work, a major deliverable of this new project is to review and update this management plan to ensure it is aligned with the NPCA’s strategic plan and other relevant policies. Please refer to the FAQs for details on past engagement activities, the key issues that arose, and how this project will address them.
The Cave Springs Enhancement Project will benefit the community for present and future generations by:
protecting and highlighting the site's ecological and cultural significance
providing important access to greenspace and opportunities for people to connect with nature, and
showcasing the NPCA’s commitment to sustainable practices
The result of this project will include:
A completed Cave Springs Management Plan
Conservation Area enhancement (new parking area and improved accessible trail)
New trail system and wayfinding
New educational signage
Demolition of the Margaret Reed house and installation of interpretive features (see FAQs for details)
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.
Through this Get Involved NPCA portal, our goal is to ensure the watershed community remains informed and given opportunities to provide their feedback and get involved. With the enhancement work underway, we welcome you to learn more about the updates that will be made to this cherished conservation area and stay tuned on potential closures and future project milestones.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
1. Learn about Cave Springs Conservation Area and the enhancement project by reviewing the documents available under Important Links and 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.
Thank you for taking the time to sign our guestbook with your comment! Your feedback will be reviewed and taken into consideration by the staff working on this project.
Please note that this tool is anonymous and therefore we will not be responding directly to your comment. Should you wish to ask a question and receive a response from staff, kindly use the Q&A tool.
2014- Board of Directors approves initiation of Cave Springs Management Plan (2016)
Cave Springs Enhancement Project has finished this stage
2014-2015- Ongoing Management Plan work
Cave Springs Enhancement Project has finished this stage
Cave Springs Steering Committee
12-month Natural Heritage Study
Environmental Assessments
2015- Consultation and Engagement
Cave Springs Enhancement Project has finished this stage
A variety of tools and techniques were used to inform and engage stakeholders in the management planning process.
2016- Cave Springs Management Plan Approved (2016 version)
Cave Springs Enhancement Project has finished this stage
The draft plan was adopted by the NPCA Board of Directors but additional work was required to obtain approval from Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC).
2021- Board approves update to Cave Springs Management Plan and park enhancement project
Cave Springs Enhancement Project has finished this stage
Followed by Stage 1-2 Archeological assessment, and engineered design and permitting approvals.
Jan-Feb 2022- Review Cave Springs Management Plan background information
Cave Springs Enhancement Project has finished this stage
Organize and develop plan for revision of Management Plan
Mar-Apr 2022- Stakeholder consultation and engagement meetings
Cave Springs Enhancement Project has finished this stage
May-June 2022- Ongoing Cave Springs Management Plan updates
Cave Springs Enhancement Project is currently at this stage
Development and approval of new Cave Springs Management Plan
July-October 2022- Ongoing enhancement work
this is an upcoming stage for Cave Springs Enhancement Project
Parking and Entrance Areas
New Trail System
Accessible trails
Implement wayfinding
New kiosk sign and other info/educational signage
*Potential closures will be communicated through this medium and social media*
Oct 2022- Finalize Cave Springs Enhancement Project
this is an upcoming stage for Cave Springs Enhancement Project
Obtain approval from stakeholders such as NPCA Board of Directors