Laurier Woods is a popular hiking destination to take in all that Mother Nature offers, but that same mother can be hard on the boardwalks in the park.
And so two of them near the west end of the park are being replaced, meaning no access to the trails from September 5 to October 10.
“Laurier Woods Conservation Area is an ecological haven that offers recreation, tourism, scientific research, and educational opportunities," said Dave Britton, Chair of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA). "When completed, the replacement of these boardwalks will help protect the ecology and contribute to the trail users’ enjoyment of this significant property,”
The $56,500 project consists of a 25-foot and 65-foot boardwalk with funding from NBMCA as well as the funds raised by Friends of Laurier Woods (FLW).
"We raised a significant amount of money through fundraising," said April McClellan, FLW Vice President. "We're very pleased with the support from the community, and it demonstrates this gem we have in the heart of the city.”
FLW and NBMCA co-own Laurier Woods Conservation Area.
"We want to replace the two boardwalks so residents can continue to enjoy this wonderful area safely," added Chitra Gowda, NBMCA CAO. "
The public is being asked to refrain from entering Laurier Woods for any reason during the closure. Closure signs will be posted at the Brule St. and Laurier Avenue entrances to Laurier Woods.
"The reason we are closing the entire park is to ensure safety," explained Gowda. "There is going to be construction material and debris all over the place. The closure will ensure the work is done as quickly as possible so users can get back to enjoying the trails by mid-October."
The new boardwalks will be a combination of hemlock and pressure-treated wood.to give much longer durability. The present boardwalks are about 25 years old.
The 240-acre conservation area encompasses a provincially significant wetland, rocky outcrops, and upland forest, and is a sanctuary to a broad range of wetland and woodland creatures and migrating birds. The trailhead is located off Brule St., just off Franklin St.
“We understand that this will be an inconvenience for some, however, the replacement of the boardwalks is necessary,” added Troy Storms, NBMCA Manager of Lands & Stewardship.
