Join the NPCA at a virtual public information session on November 23
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) will soon begin a project to enhance the Rockway Conservation Area in Lincoln. Community members are invited to learn more at an upcoming virtual information session on November 23, 2022, from 7-8 p.m.
“Connecting people to nature through creating equitable access to greenspace for the health and well-being of people is an important goal in our strategic plan,” says Adam Christie, Director of Conservation Areas at the NPCA. “This project will improve the visitor experience through increased parking and new recreational features such as accessible trail systems, wayfinding, bicycle racks, and educational signage.”
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. The extensive trail system connects to the Bruce Trail. It offers a hiking experience within the Fifteen Mile Creek Valley, surrounded by mature trees, a salt spring, and two spectacular waterfalls.
This year, the NPCA acquired a 1.2-acre property adjacent to Rockway on the north side of Regional Road 69. This parcel of land includes a valley, watercourse, and waterfall running along the west perimeter. A community centre is also currently on site, as well as a gravel parking area offering access to the adjacent trails of the conservation area.
“This acquisition, and the enhancement features from this project, will allow the NPCA to improve access to greenspace and the opportunities for people to connect with nature while at Rockway.”
The Rockway Conservation Area Enhancement Project includes:
- New permeable parking area with various Low Impact Development elements
- Increased tree canopy, greenspace, and granular accessible trail
- New trail system and wayfinding to complement the Bruce Trail
- New lookout, picnicking, and seating areas in place of the existing building structure
- Interpretive and educational signage
- Bicycling racks and a new automated gate system
An important part of this project is ensuring the watershed community remains informed and is given opportunities to provide feedback. The NPCA invites community members to visit the Get Involved NPCA portal to learn more about the project and stay tuned on potential closures and limited access to the conservation area. The portal includes project documents available to the public, a project timeline, tools for providing feedback, and details on the upcoming public information session on November 23.
For more information on the Rockway Conservation Area and the NPCA, visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates.
About NPCA:
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With more than 63 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Rebecca Hull, Manager of Business Planning and Public Relations
905-788-3135 | extension 291
Cell: 905-933-3078
rhull@npca.ca