THUNDER BAY — A popular conservation area on the outskirts of the city will be closed to the public for about three weeks, starting Tuesday.
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says the closure is necessary to accommodate work being done in the parking lot and on the paved loop trail.
"We're going to be completely regrading and repaving the parking lot. It has been a bit of an issue over the past few years, with some pooling in the middle, especially in the springtime," said Ryan Mackett, the conservation authority's communications manager.
He noted that in periods of cold weather, the centre of the parking lot rink sometimes turns into a virtual skating rink.
Mackett said that due to frost heaves and exposed tree roots, the paved loop trail requires reconstruction to bring it up to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act compliance.
"That's going to be really great for people with mobility concerns and enabling them to come out, enjoy nature, and explore the area."
He said the conservation authority had hoped to have the work done last fall, but couldn't secure a contractor at the time.
"We understand that some people may be a bit inconvenienced by the timing, but it's important to remember that we don't dictate to the contractors when we want the work done. The contractors let us know when they are available."
During the shutdown, the conservation authority is encouraging people who like visiting the Cascades to consider going to one or more of its other conservation areas.
"Your Explore Card parking pass is good for all 10 conservation areas that the LRCA owns and maintains, so that's a good incentive to maybe visit Hazelwood Lake, Silver Harbour and Little Trout Bay. Both [the latter] have boat launches and access to Lake Superior. Hurkett Cove is another fantastic spot to check out," Mackett said.
