Rockway Conservation Area Enhancement Project

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We thank all participants and everyone who visited this portal to obtain information about the Rockway Conservation Area Enhancement Project.

The consultation process has now concluded.

Rockway Conservation Area waterfall

WE WELCOME YOU TO VISIT ROCKWAY CONSERVATION AREA THIS 2024 SEASON!

The NPCA is pleased to announce the Rockway Conservation Area Enhancement Project which began in summer 2023 is now complete. This project successfully improved public safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience at this beloved and protected natural area in Lincoln.

Rockway Conservation Area (Rockway) is considered one of the Niagara Peninsula watershed’s hidden gems, as it is part of the Niagara Escarpment, with significant ecological features, flora, fauna, and recreational assets.

Visitors can now enjoy:

  • A new permeable paving stone parking lot was installed to provide better access.
    • This improved feature also functions to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff leaving the site, improves the quality of that stormwater runoff, and serves to enhance the local groundwater regime.
  • Bicycle racks, safety fencing, new lookout and seating areas, and a granular accessible trail are now available for all to enjoy nature and the unique views of the Niagara Escarpment safely.
  • New trail system to complement the Bruce Trail (improved wayfinding coming soon).
  • Additional enhancements such as the installation of EV Stations.
  • Interpretive and educational signage to be installed later this season!

IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure the responsible year-round management of the protected area for public access and enjoyment, NPCA has installed automated gates and paid parking will be in effect starting May 3, 2024.

Rockway will always remain free to access for walk-up visitors and users who access the site by bike or other modes of active transportation.

NaturePlus Passes are available for short-term loans through local libraries and community organizations to support community members in accessing NPCA conservation areas free of charge. Learn more about this program under Important Links (on the right).


ABOUT THIS PAGE:

This portal houses documents that all are welcome to review, a project timeline which outlines the steps of this enhancement project and the tools that were available for providing feedback (which are now closed due to the conclusion of the engagement process).

Through this Get Involved NPCA portal, our goal was to ensure the watershed community remained informed and was given opportunities to provide their feedback and get involved. We were successful in this endeavour and appreciate everyone's desire to be involved.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: THIS HAS NOW CONCLUDED!

1. Learn about Rockway Conservation Area and the enhancement project by reviewing the documents available under Important Links and Documents.
2. Leave a comment or ask a question through the 'Q&A' tool available below.
3. Attend the public information session in November 23, 2022. Find details under 'Key Dates'.

WE WELCOME YOU TO VISIT ROCKWAY CONSERVATION AREA THIS 2024 SEASON!

The NPCA is pleased to announce the Rockway Conservation Area Enhancement Project which began in summer 2023 is now complete. This project successfully improved public safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience at this beloved and protected natural area in Lincoln.

Rockway Conservation Area (Rockway) is considered one of the Niagara Peninsula watershed’s hidden gems, as it is part of the Niagara Escarpment, with significant ecological features, flora, fauna, and recreational assets.

Visitors can now enjoy:

  • A new permeable paving stone parking lot was installed to provide better access.
    • This improved feature also functions to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff leaving the site, improves the quality of that stormwater runoff, and serves to enhance the local groundwater regime.
  • Bicycle racks, safety fencing, new lookout and seating areas, and a granular accessible trail are now available for all to enjoy nature and the unique views of the Niagara Escarpment safely.
  • New trail system to complement the Bruce Trail (improved wayfinding coming soon).
  • Additional enhancements such as the installation of EV Stations.
  • Interpretive and educational signage to be installed later this season!

IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure the responsible year-round management of the protected area for public access and enjoyment, NPCA has installed automated gates and paid parking will be in effect starting May 3, 2024.

Rockway will always remain free to access for walk-up visitors and users who access the site by bike or other modes of active transportation.

NaturePlus Passes are available for short-term loans through local libraries and community organizations to support community members in accessing NPCA conservation areas free of charge. Learn more about this program under Important Links (on the right).


ABOUT THIS PAGE:

This portal houses documents that all are welcome to review, a project timeline which outlines the steps of this enhancement project and the tools that were available for providing feedback (which are now closed due to the conclusion of the engagement process).

Through this Get Involved NPCA portal, our goal was to ensure the watershed community remained informed and was given opportunities to provide their feedback and get involved. We were successful in this endeavour and appreciate everyone's desire to be involved.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: THIS HAS NOW CONCLUDED!

1. Learn about Rockway Conservation Area and the enhancement project by reviewing the documents available under Important Links and Documents.
2. Leave a comment or ask a question through the 'Q&A' tool available below.
3. Attend the public information session in November 23, 2022. Find details under 'Key Dates'.

We thank all participants and everyone who visited this portal to obtain information about the Rockway Conservation Area Enhancement Project.

The consultation process has now concluded.

Thank you for taking the time to ask questions. If your correspondence requires a response, our team will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Please note that a response will be provided through this same portal and may be answered privately or publicly for others to see. If you wish to have your question responded to privately, kindly state this in your message. 

  • Share Trail Markers from Ellis Avenue Hi I just walked the Rockway Conservation Area trail from Ellis Avenue, for the 1st time, and after 40 minutes or so, got to a sign that stated, PRIVATE PROPERTY. I wanted to get to the Main Falls at Rockway but saw no Blaze or sign indicating the trail continues over the Creek. Is there a better map available, rather than than the one on this website, and/or are there plans to indicate the Trail continues 'over yonder'? I've walked the trail from Pelham Road and the new Parking area 3 weeks ago and wanted to get to those falls today too. This trail from Ellis Avenue is nice and I was rewarded with a small Falls and the day was perfect for a hike. Thanx very much Pete Malaguti on Facebook Share Trail Markers from Ellis Avenue Hi I just walked the Rockway Conservation Area trail from Ellis Avenue, for the 1st time, and after 40 minutes or so, got to a sign that stated, PRIVATE PROPERTY. I wanted to get to the Main Falls at Rockway but saw no Blaze or sign indicating the trail continues over the Creek. Is there a better map available, rather than than the one on this website, and/or are there plans to indicate the Trail continues 'over yonder'? I've walked the trail from Pelham Road and the new Parking area 3 weeks ago and wanted to get to those falls today too. This trail from Ellis Avenue is nice and I was rewarded with a small Falls and the day was perfect for a hike. Thanx very much Pete Malaguti on Twitter Share Trail Markers from Ellis Avenue Hi I just walked the Rockway Conservation Area trail from Ellis Avenue, for the 1st time, and after 40 minutes or so, got to a sign that stated, PRIVATE PROPERTY. I wanted to get to the Main Falls at Rockway but saw no Blaze or sign indicating the trail continues over the Creek. Is there a better map available, rather than than the one on this website, and/or are there plans to indicate the Trail continues 'over yonder'? I've walked the trail from Pelham Road and the new Parking area 3 weeks ago and wanted to get to those falls today too. This trail from Ellis Avenue is nice and I was rewarded with a small Falls and the day was perfect for a hike. Thanx very much Pete Malaguti on Linkedin Email Trail Markers from Ellis Avenue Hi I just walked the Rockway Conservation Area trail from Ellis Avenue, for the 1st time, and after 40 minutes or so, got to a sign that stated, PRIVATE PROPERTY. I wanted to get to the Main Falls at Rockway but saw no Blaze or sign indicating the trail continues over the Creek. Is there a better map available, rather than than the one on this website, and/or are there plans to indicate the Trail continues 'over yonder'? I've walked the trail from Pelham Road and the new Parking area 3 weeks ago and wanted to get to those falls today too. This trail from Ellis Avenue is nice and I was rewarded with a small Falls and the day was perfect for a hike. Thanx very much Pete Malaguti link

    Trail Markers from Ellis Avenue Hi I just walked the Rockway Conservation Area trail from Ellis Avenue, for the 1st time, and after 40 minutes or so, got to a sign that stated, PRIVATE PROPERTY. I wanted to get to the Main Falls at Rockway but saw no Blaze or sign indicating the trail continues over the Creek. Is there a better map available, rather than than the one on this website, and/or are there plans to indicate the Trail continues 'over yonder'? I've walked the trail from Pelham Road and the new Parking area 3 weeks ago and wanted to get to those falls today too. This trail from Ellis Avenue is nice and I was rewarded with a small Falls and the day was perfect for a hike. Thanx very much Pete Malaguti

    Tavistock Rd St Catharines asked 7 months ago

    Hello! Thank you for your inquiry. We are working hard to establish trail markers and signage so people can clearly identify the trails and waterways. If you would like to contact our main office to be mailed a map, please do so at 3350 Merrittville Highway, Unit 9, Thorold, Ontario L2V 4Y6
     Tel: 905-788-3135 

  • Share Parking details please… how much ? Is there a time limit? Season pass available? Ect . Thanks on Facebook Share Parking details please… how much ? Is there a time limit? Season pass available? Ect . Thanks on Twitter Share Parking details please… how much ? Is there a time limit? Season pass available? Ect . Thanks on Linkedin Email Parking details please… how much ? Is there a time limit? Season pass available? Ect . Thanks link

    Parking details please… how much ? Is there a time limit? Season pass available? Ect . Thanks

    Henry asked 7 months ago

    Hello,
    Vehicles will be charged parking fees of $9 starting May 4. You can loan out a Library NaturePlus Pass at your local library to access the park for free. Should you walk, hike, or bike to the conservation area you will not be charged a fee. This fee is only for vehicles. Please find out more about our Library NaturePlus Pass at Library NaturePlus Pass Program | Get Involved with NPCA 


  • Share Parking fee alternatives I hike every day at Rockaway community center. I can’t afford nine dollars a day. What are my options? Is there an annual pass? Please advise where to get it and information thank you. on Facebook Share Parking fee alternatives I hike every day at Rockaway community center. I can’t afford nine dollars a day. What are my options? Is there an annual pass? Please advise where to get it and information thank you. on Twitter Share Parking fee alternatives I hike every day at Rockaway community center. I can’t afford nine dollars a day. What are my options? Is there an annual pass? Please advise where to get it and information thank you. on Linkedin Email Parking fee alternatives I hike every day at Rockaway community center. I can’t afford nine dollars a day. What are my options? Is there an annual pass? Please advise where to get it and information thank you. link

    Parking fee alternatives I hike every day at Rockaway community center. I can’t afford nine dollars a day. What are my options? Is there an annual pass? Please advise where to get it and information thank you.

    Henry asked 7 months ago

    Hello,
    Thank you for reaching out. Yes, we have an annual pass that will grant you access to all of NPCA paid parking sites. You can find out more information and how to purchase here: Membership Passes (goingtocamp.com). Alternatively, you can loan out a free pass at local libraries or community hubs. The loan lasts one week at a time. You can find out where participating community places are here: Library NaturePlus Pass Program | Get Involved with NPCA.

    Also, the charge is only for vehicles. Should you be able to access the site by bike, hike, or other means without driving/parking, you do not need to pay to park. 

    We hope you enjoy the season ahead with many beautiful hikes. Thank you, 

    Gillian Mackey

    Communications & Marketing Specialist,
    NPCA
    gmackey@npca.ca

    annual pass
    annual pass