FAQs
Q&A
Where do the funds go?
Funds collected from NPCA conservation area admissions support the sustainable operation of our natural areas, including site enhancements and improvements such as safe parking, safety features, accessible trail systems, public washrooms, picnic areas, and other amenities, as well as ensuring they remain safe and accessible year-round. These fees also help NPCA to continue to deliver public programs and services and ensure the maintenance, restoration and preservation of all 41 conservation areas across the Niagara Peninsula watershed. Additionally, they help conservation areas to become more self-sustainable and to limit their dependence on taxpayer subsidies.
Why invest in parking infrastructure?
NPCA is committed to ensuring safe and equitable access to nature for all. The recent updates: the permeable parking area, accessible trail system, and greenspace expansion, bicycle racks, and safety fencing, among others, were invested in for the betterment of the user's experience and increased access to nature through safe and viable means. Thus, investments were required to ensure all persons can have access to green space.
Why do you need to prevent access after hours?
Rockway Conservation Area is one of NPCA’s most highly visited conservation parks. With its location, it has also become the perfect spot for vandalism and prohibited after-hours activities, which poses a public safety threat. As NPCA looks to enhance many of its passive recreation sites, the installation of paid automated gates for parking becomes necessary to sustainably manage visitation and year-round access at these increasingly popular areas. The gates also ensure that investments in these natural protected areas are being safeguarded for public enjoyment and to ensure public safety is being maintained for all visitors. It is also important to note that walk-up visitors, cyclists, and those who use other modes of transportation will still be able to access these sites for free.
How much will paid parking be at Rockway Conservation Area
NPCA has always been sensitive to the needs of our families, retirees, and disadvantaged members of our community. Approximately 90% of NPCA’s parks are free to access for everyone, including young families and retirees. Free NPCA NaturePlus park passes are also available through local libraries through our Library NaturePlus Pass Program. Anyone can sign out a NaturePlus Pass to freely access NPCA’s paid sites, which currently include Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, Chippawa Creek, and Long Beach conservation areas. NPCA has doubled the amount of passes available for loan and is excited to promote this opportunity. Passes can be loaned for one week and are often accompanied by nature backpacks complete with binoculars and guidebooks.
NPCA will collect $9 per vehicle at Rockway Conservation Area. It is important to note that this fee is not a per person fee. It is a parking fee.
Rockway will remain free for visitors who access the site on foot, by bike, or through other modes of active transportation. Fees are only collected for vehicles that enter the site.
Find out more about our Library NatuerPlus Pass by visiting Library NaturePlus Pass Program | Get Involved with NPCA