NPCA & COVID-19

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Thank you for engaging with the NPCA throughout the pandemic! As the situation continues to improve, we are now closing this project. 

Please continue to engage with us through the many projects available on this home page, and we welcome you to learn more about the NPCA on our website and social media channels.

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Ontario and taking steps to help prevent the spread of infection.

On this page, you will find the most up-to date information on impacts to NPCA programs and services, including cancellations, closures, and processes for re-opening. If you'd like to receive notice when this page is updated, click 'Sign Up' on the right.

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions relating to NPCA services, events, programs, and more.

The NPCA has the following measures in place to proactively protect staff and members of the public from the potential risk of contracting COVID-19:

  • Closure of NPCA Main Office and park buildings until further notice.
  • The postponement of all in-person conferences and events until further notice.
  • Scheduling of monthly virtual Full-Authority Board of Directors meetings since April 2020.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

  • All NPCA conservation areas remain open for passive use such as hiking and bird watching.
  • A list of NPCA properties and corresponding facilities and amenities can be found at www.npca.ca/parks, where details pertaining to available amenities, services and activities are also posted.
  • Washroom facilities are only available at Ball's Falls Centre for Conservation, Long Beach, Chippawa Creek, and Binbrook Conservation Areas.
  • NPCA's Enforcement, Planning & Regulations staff will continue to operate remotely, and will be available by telephone and email to assist you as necessary.

Public Health- COVID-19 Websites:

Available Tools Below:
Q&A: If you have questions that we haven't answered in the list of FAQs, please send us your question using the Q&A tool below and we'll do our best to address them in a timely manner.

COVID-19 Timeline: A detailed, chronology of NPCA actions and important dates up until July 2020. Followed by COVID-19 major announcements only up until April 2021.

Survey: Fill out this quick 1-minute survey and tell us if this portal helped you find what you were looking for.

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Ontario and taking steps to help prevent the spread of infection.

On this page, you will find the most up-to date information on impacts to NPCA programs and services, including cancellations, closures, and processes for re-opening. If you'd like to receive notice when this page is updated, click 'Sign Up' on the right.

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions relating to NPCA services, events, programs, and more.

The NPCA has the following measures in place to proactively protect staff and members of the public from the potential risk of contracting COVID-19:

  • Closure of NPCA Main Office and park buildings until further notice.
  • The postponement of all in-person conferences and events until further notice.
  • Scheduling of monthly virtual Full-Authority Board of Directors meetings since April 2020.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

  • All NPCA conservation areas remain open for passive use such as hiking and bird watching.
  • A list of NPCA properties and corresponding facilities and amenities can be found at www.npca.ca/parks, where details pertaining to available amenities, services and activities are also posted.
  • Washroom facilities are only available at Ball's Falls Centre for Conservation, Long Beach, Chippawa Creek, and Binbrook Conservation Areas.
  • NPCA's Enforcement, Planning & Regulations staff will continue to operate remotely, and will be available by telephone and email to assist you as necessary.

Public Health- COVID-19 Websites:

Available Tools Below:
Q&A: If you have questions that we haven't answered in the list of FAQs, please send us your question using the Q&A tool below and we'll do our best to address them in a timely manner.

COVID-19 Timeline: A detailed, chronology of NPCA actions and important dates up until July 2020. Followed by COVID-19 major announcements only up until April 2021.

Survey: Fill out this quick 1-minute survey and tell us if this portal helped you find what you were looking for.

Thank you for engaging with the NPCA throughout the pandemic! As the situation continues to improve, we are now closing this project. 

Please continue to engage with us through the many projects available on this home page, and we welcome you to learn more about the NPCA on our website and social media channels.

We're here to answer any questions you may have. If you have questions that we haven't answered in the list of FAQs, please send us your question and we'll do our best to address them in a timely manner.

Please note that the FAQs covers topics such as Conservation Area use, Camping, Educational Programming, Thanksgiving Festival, Weddings, Planning and Regulations, Enforcement and Compliance, Flooding, and more. 

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    Hi, a hobby i enjoy is metal detecting, is there any restrictions at any npca sites to metal detect?

    Adrian asked over 1 year ago

    Hi Adrian, thanks for reaching out! For more information on metal detection and other activities at NPCA Conservation Areas, please connect directly with Alicia Powell, Manager of Conservation Area Services, at apowell@npca.ca. Thank you for using this platform! 

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    Are You Allowed To Leave A Tree Stand Up Year Round ?

    Kevin Harris asked over 1 year ago

    Hi Kevin, thanks for reaching out! After reviewing your inquiry with our Ecologist, unfortunately they are to be portable and removed every day. If they are not removed, they pose safety hazards to others and they may be vandalized or stolen.

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    Since the majority of attractions are outdoors, why do you demand fully vaccinated visitors? Due to health issues, I am half-vaxxed and my husband is fully. We have just moved to Grimsby and would love to learn more about the area and take a hike through the conservation area. Please let me know if you would allow us to walk outside and NOT into buildings given your current restrictions.

    Christine asked over 2 years ago

    Hello Christine, thanks for reaching out to us through this channel and our apologies for the delayed response.

    If you were referring to the Ball's Falls Holiday Trail, which operated from November to January 9, this was an integrated event with indoor and outdoor activities and proof of vaccination was required for guests ages 12 and over, as mandated under OReg 364/20.

    The NPCA does not require proof of vaccination for guests to visit conservation areas across the Niagara Peninsula watershed to explore nature at these greenspaces. We welcome you to visit local conservation areas and a complete list is available at https://npca.ca/parks-recreation/conservation-areas. One of our favourites is Beamer Memorial Conservation Area!

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    Hello. I have a plan to visit to Ball's falls conservation on 25th Oct. Do you think It will be a good time to see autumn leaves at this time? and I saw that I do not need reservation for one day visiting but did not find the way I can pay admission fee on website. Is there any website I can pay it online? Thank you and happy thanksgiving day!

    Taebin um asked over 2 years ago

    Good evening Taebin, thanks so much for reaching out. End of October is a wonderful time to see the autumn leaves at Ball's Falls Conservation Area. 

    You do not require a reservation to visit the park and at this time, paid admission is done solely in person upon arrival at the Centre for Conservation. We do not offer online payment currently. 

    We welcome you to get in touch with ballsfalls@npca.ca to learn more about the site, the fall colours, inquire about the flow of both the Upper and Lower Waterfalls on site prior to your visit. Please note the creek is rain-fed and therefore dependent on precipitation.

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    Why is there a fee of $8 per person to visit Balls Falls and the heritage buildings aren't even open?

    Larry D asked almost 3 years ago

    Good morning Larry, thanks for reaching out to us via this medium!

    The NPCA offers access to 41 conservation areas across the watershed, which includes all of Niagara Region, and portions of Hamilton and Haldimand. Of those 41 areas, 4 are considered active recreational areas (including Ball's Falls), with additional amenities such as washroom facilities, interpretive signage, fishing piers and more.

    These areas are staffed and gated, and charge a daily admission fee during operating seasons and hours. While the heritage buildings are not open, our dedicated team of staff remain on site to ensure it is regularly maintained and as beautiful as can be for our visitors. 

    Admission fees to Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, Chippawa Creek and Long Beach Conservation Areas help the NPCA to deliver programs and services and ensure the maintenance, restoration and preservation of not only these four conservation areas, but all 41 areas across the watershed.

    We do recognize that admission fees to these four areas can be prohibitive for some folks and families. We have partnered with a several libraries across the Niagara Region to provide our NaturePlus Pass through a Library Loaner program. Below is a list of the libraries that are offering the 2021 NaturePlus Pass loan program. More information can be found in the attached links. There are no fees associated, families simply need a library card to take out a pass and use it to access conservation areas, including Ball’s Falls.

     
    There are also many NPCA conservation areas across the watershed that do not take admission fees, and provide access to hiking trails, recreational waters, and fishing opportunities. Except for the four primary conservation areas, the remaining 37 areas listed here are free to access and provide excellent greenspaces for families to step into nature: https://npca.ca/parks-recreation/conservation-areas

    We hope this information helps. We always appreciate feedback.

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    Ball's Fall open tomorrow-Sunday June 13 for hiking?

    ted asked almost 3 years ago

    Hello Ted, thank you for reaching out through this portal and our sincere apologies for the delayed response. 

    Ball's Falls, as well as our other flagship properties like Binbrook, Long Beach, and Chippawa Creek, are open 7 days a week, dawn until dusk. The only exception to the parks being open is if they have reached capacity. In this case, we make the appropriate announcements through our Facebook pages. 

    We welcome you to follow us and visit the page prior to making your way to any of the sites: 

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    Why does the lowbanks area keep flooding in the past 2 years

    EL asked almost 3 years ago
    Hi EL, thanks for your question! Lake Erie's water level has been well above average, and actually hit record levels in 2019. These high water levels combined with a strong South West wind during some storms will increase water levels even further and increased wave action pushes that water onshore.
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    I want to send by email our inquiry asking for a file search on whether a subject property is affected by any regulation order issued by your authority, and if the Property is affected by any regulations or orders, to get full details of any directives, orders or breaches of regulations which you may have on file with respect to the Property or future development thereof. Please provide with an email address, or advise how to deliver our request for a compliance letter and the required fee, a phone # that I can call.

    Wei asked almost 3 years ago

    Hello Wei, thank you for reaching out with this inquiry.

    We encourage you to check out the NPCA's Watershed Explorer found at https://camaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c7555050c8f24a7cbc829395557a7988. Here you can see the location you are inquiring about, and use the layers feature on the left side to see if it is within any regulated areas.

    Once you have had a chance to take a look, you can reach out to one of NPCA's Watershed Planners below, based on the municipality the property is in. Please note that depending on the extent of the scope, a fee may apply. 

    Taran Lennard; tlennard@npca.ca. 

    • Grimsby
    • Lincoln
    • St. Catharines

    Nikolas Wensing; nwensing@npca.ca. 

    • West Lincoln
    • Wainfleet 
    • Haldimand
    • Hamilton

    Nicholas Godfrey; ngodfrey@npca.ca. 

    • Niagara-on-the-Lake
    • Thorold
    • Pelham

    Jessica Abrahamse; jabrahamse@npca.ca. 

    • Welland
    • Niagara Falls
    • Fort Erie
    • Port Colborne
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    Hi, do we need to book a parking spot if we want to hike to see the falls? Alyssa

    Alyssa asked almost 3 years ago

    Hi Alyssa, thank you for reaching out. No reservation is required to visit Ball's Falls Conservation Area for passive, day-use recreation such as hiking, birdwatching and nature photography. 

    Please note that there is an admission fee from Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. of $8/adults and $6/seniors and students. This fee includes access to the parking area as well.

    We welcome you to follow Ball's Falls on social media to stay up to date on possible closures due to capacity, or any changes to the amenities. You can find us at https://www.facebook.com/BallsFallsCA. 

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    Is park open for hiking today in light of stay at home order ?

    Ken asked almost 3 years ago

    Hi Ken, our apologies for the delayed response to your inquiry. 

    NPCA Conservation Areas remain open for passive recreation such as hiking, dog-walking on leash, nature photography, non-motorized paddle sports (Binbrook Only) and bird watching.

    Visitors are permitted to enjoy passive recreation with members of their household within the conservation areas. Group gatherings are not permitted.

    Thanks for reaching out to us via this portal. Stay safe!