Tiffany Falls Conservation Area Visitor and Parking Challenges

Tiffany Falls experiences high visitation, but unlike larger conservation areas, it has limited space and parking to accommodate that use, resulting in significant challenges such as:

  • Safety risks currently present at the Wilson Street parking lot due to limited sightlines, high traffic volume and congestion, and high pedestrian volume at peak times
  • Overcrowding on trails and in the small parking area, especially on weekends and holidays
  • Ecological damage, including vegetation loss, introduction of invasive species, and off-trail use
  • Ongoing complaints from visitors and neighbours about traffic, illegal parking, and traffic congestion

These issues were first identified in a 2019 HCA report on visitor management and parking, which recommended high-priority actions for our busiest conservation areas.

In 2023, HCA formally began work to explore a new parking lot on Lower Lion’s Club Road with conceptual work and in 2024, the HCA Board asked for more review before proceeding.

Overcrowding at Tiffany Falls
Overcrowding at Tiffany Falls
Overcrowding at Tiffany Falls

Developing the Tiffany Falls Visitor Use Management Plan (VUMP)

In March 2024, the Board directed staff to develop a Visitor Use Management Plan (VUMP) specifically for Tiffany Falls before advancing with further consideration of new parking infrastructure. The plan’s purpose is to improve visitation management at Tiffany Falls Conservation Area to ensure visitor safety, provide a quality visitor experience, and protect this natural area.

To do this, a cross-departmental team at HCA:

  • Followed the Visitor Use Management Framework used by Parks Canada and others
  • Reviewed trail data, ecological assessments, public feedback, and visitor surveys
  • Assessed multiple strategies for feasibility, safety, and environmental impact

The VUMP identified five potential strategies. Several were deemed unfeasible for Tiffany Falls through evaluation due to significant logistical, ecological, or operational constraints. The recommended approach was selected as the most balanced and sustainable solution, presented to the Conservation Advisory Board, and endorsed by the Board of Directors.

Board Approved Direction

In July 2025, the HCA Board endorsed the Tiffany Falls Visitor Use Management Plan and its recommended strategy, including:

  • Building a new parking lot on Lower Lion’s Club Road
  • Restricting the Wilson Street parking lot to improve safety and reduce congestion
  • Expanding the visitor experience to include HCA lands north of Wilson Street
 Key Elements include:
  • Constructing a new parking lot for approximately 30 vehicles on Lower Lion’s Club Road in a location supported per the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) recommendations. The proposed site lies under the hydro corridor, to minimize potential impacts on sensitive ecological features.
  • Restricting public parking to the Wilson Street lot (except for accessible parking, Emergency Management Services and maintenance).
  • Extending the trail to help disperse visitor pedestrian traffic within a larger Conservation Area.
  • Implementing controlled access tools, including a reservation system to better manage visitation.
  • Adding educational signage, trail improvements, and ecological restoration measures, including an invasive species management and habitat restoration plan for the site.
  • To limit public encroachment on existing natural features, native vegetation buffers may be planted in selected areas to support ecological restoration objectives and protect sensitive areas. Plantings may also enhance privacy for neighbouring residents in locations like Lower Lion’s Club Road. Additional methods will be considered to discourage entry outside of designated trails.
  • Communication plan to promote and support this strategy.
  • Collaboration with the City of Hamilton and municipal bylaw staff to address parking issues on municipal roadways in this Special Enforcement Area and enhancements to the controlled pedestrian crossing.

This approach will allow for better management of how and when visitors access the site while protecting Tiffany Falls’ natural beauty and ecological significance.

Key Elements of a Reservation System to Manage Visitors
  • A reservation system with specific visitation times, timed entry, and limited parking duration is planned as part of the automated gate system at the new parking lot.
  • This will control the number of vehicles accessing the site, reducing congestion and ensuring a predictable, manageable flow of visitors.
  • Timed arrivals help prevent peak-hour surges and better distribute daily use.
  • A timed reservation system like this has been successfully implemented at Spencer Gorge Conservation Area to address visitation during Fall colours.

Next Steps

  1. Finalize detailed designs for the new parking lot and trail extension.
  2. Submit a Development Permit application to the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC). As part of its decision review process, the NEC provides an opportunity for public comment.
  3. Subject to the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s issuance of a development permit, begin phased implementation including signage, trail improvements and habitat restoration, parking lot creation, and implementation of a reservation system for operations.

Related Documents

Conservation Advisory Board Reports submitted to Board of Directors
Other Documents