Bonnechere River Park and Trail Project

Project To-Date
Since early 2023, the Town of Renfrew has been investigating the potential for establishing a linear park and trail system along the south bank of the Bonnechere River. This park and trail system would utilize Municipally and Federally-owned lands that are not suitable for development due to the geology and topography of the lands. While the project has been scoped to lands near Hunter Gate subdivision and Highway 17, that are owned by, or will be dedicated to the Town, there is also future potential to expand the park lands and trail system to the east beyond Hwy 17 on lands already owned by the Town.

In Spring 2024, the Town established a Working Group for the project including members of council, staff, community members and external partners. The Working Group is comprised of:
* Counciler McWhirter
* Counciler McDonald
* Amanda Springer, Manager of Environmental Services
* Eric Withers, Director of Development and Environment
* Shawn Eckford, Recreation Operations Specialist
* Mike Hendren, Schad Foundation/Ontario Connservation Accelerator
* Tauney Stinson, Community Member
* Terry Edwards, Community Member
* Hayley Heaslip, Community Member
* Paddy Enright, Community Member

Working Group meeting summaries focus on action items, recommendations, and updates are provided to Council directly. Significant matters will be presented to the Committee of the Whole for evaluation and recommendation to Town Council. Urgent issues may go directly to the Council. The Town has leveraged strategic partnerships with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC), and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Protected Areas Program to assist with planning and technical questions.

Multiple community members assisted with trail building the spring of 2025 in order to open 1.2 km of trail on July 1, 2025. Additional trail is planned for fall 2025 pending access to Federally owned lands on the National Archives Property.

How was this be funded?
A donation of $25,000 was received from the Schad Foundation's Ontario Conservation Accelerator Project to start the project. Much of the work was completed by volunteers. Additionally grants from provincial and federal government and non-profit organizations are being explored as required

How will the Bonnechere River Parks and Trail benefit residents?
In 2023 the Town of Renfrew, in consultation with its residents, developed the [“Road to 2035 Strategic Plan”] in order to identify key areas of focus for the community. Through the collection of survey information and public consultations, it was identified that environmental stewardship, a mixed-use of land development, better use of the Town’s waterfront, opportunities for increased tourism, and the addition of more parks and trails were all identified as priority items. These priority items have also been highlighted through recommendations in the Town of Renfrew’s 2024 Parks and Recreation Master Plan & Waterfront Master Plan.

Connecting with nature is essential for our well-being, and local parks and trails offer the perfect opportunity to do so. Many studies have proven that being outdoors, and connecting with nature, offers countless benefits for both physical and mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving mood and enhancing creativity, the importance of spending time in nature cannot be overstated. By utilizing our local parks and trails, we not only foster a deeper appreciation for the environment but also strengthen our sense of community.

How will the Bonnechere River Parks and Trail benefit our local environment and ecosystems?
BCH Environmental Consulting was contracted by the Town in the fall of 2023 to conduct an initial Species at Risk Habitat Assessment (supporting document attached) on the publicly owned lands in the project area. Potential habitat for snapping turtle, bandings turtle, bank swallow, eastern wood pewee and bats were identified in the subject lands. Additionally, high potential habitat for barn swallow, grasshopper sparrow, eastern meadowlark and bobolink were identified in adjacent lands, and butternut trees have also been confirmed in adjacent lands.

The Bonnechere River Parks and Trail would ensure that these lands remain protected for current and future generations, while also allowing locals citizens to utilize the natural space.

Where is the Trail?
The Trail head is located at 390 Forestview Cres. and can be found on Google Maps. Further information can be found on the Town's website.