Service Disruptions

Notice of Herbicide Use at Shade’s Mills Conservation Area

Please be advised that GRCA will be applying herbicides at Shade’s Mills Conservation Area on Thursday, September 11, 2025, to control invasive plants according to the Pesticides Act and Ontario Regulation 63/09 under the forestry exception. The property and trails will remain open to the public; however, visitors are reminded to stay on designated trails, keep pets on a leash and obey signage. This disruption will remain in effect for the day the work is being completed. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to improve the health of our watershed.

Temporary Closure: Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area (north/west interior road)

Starting Monday, September 1, 2025, the north/west interior road Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area will be closed to public vehicle access to allow for road repairs. The north and east launch will remain open for watercraft access. This closure is expected to last until September 19, 2025. Signs will be posted along the roadway entering the area to inform the public. 

Belwood Lake Conservation Area: beach closure

Please be advised the presence of a suspected blue-green algae bloom has been observed at the beach at Belwood Lake Conservation Area. The GRCA consulted with WDG Public Health who has recommended a beach closure due to the observation of blue-green algae. The Belwood Lake Conservation Area beach is now closed. 

For more information, please visit the August 27, 2025 news release.

Conestogo Lake Conservation Area: beach closure

Please be advised the presence of a suspected blue-green algae bloom has been observed at the beach at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area. The GRCA consulted with WDG Public Health who has recommended a beach closure due to the observation of blue-green algae. The Conestogo Lake Conservation Area beach is now closed, and swimming is not recommended. 

For more information, please visit the August 22, 2025 news release.

Conestogo Lake Conservation Area: boat launch closure

Please be advised the West (shorter) boat launch at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area will be out of service for the remainder of the season beginning Saturday, August 23, 2025. This is due to lower-than-normal water levels for this time of year to facilitate the concrete repairs.

It is planned that the East (longer) boat launch will remain in service until Labour Day, Monday, September 1, 2025. Increased draw down of water levels starting on September 2 will result in the closure of this boat launch shortly after Labour Day.

For more information, please visit the project webpage, and the August 22, 2025 news release.

Temporary Closure: Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area (southwest)

Laurel Creek Nature Centre - Access disruption

Guelph Lake Conservation Area - Construction detour and access disruption

Wellington County is undertaking a bridge rehabilitation project at Victoria Rd N (Wellington Road 38) that will create detours and access disruptions to Guelph Lake Conservation Area. Learn more on the Wellington County Website.  

Temporary Closure: Baxendale West

Starting Monday June 16, 2025, Baxendale West will be closed to the public to allow for plantation management operations to resume. Signs will be posted at the main entrance of the property to inform the public. For maps or to learn more, please visit: www.grandriver.ca/CurrentForestProjects. 

Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area - Construction detour and access disruption:  2025-2028

The County of Brant is undertaking a multi-year road construction project that will create detours and access disruptions to Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area. Learn more on the County of Brant website.

Ongoing closure: Mill Ruins at Rockwood Conservation Area closed

The ruins of the Harris & Co. Rockwood Woolen Mill remain closed due to potential safety concerns.