Trail Improvement Project

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Starting in the fall of 2013 the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) began making significant trail improvements in the Dundas Valley Conservation Area (DVCA). The goal of this project is to develop the trail system so it becomes similar to the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail. To make this possible gravel will be placed and compacted throughout the trail system, boardwalks will be replaced or refurbished, trail drainage will be improved and hazardous trees will be removed.

These trail improvements will help reduce wet spots, reduce the opportunity for new wet spots to develop, cover tree roots and make the trails more accessible for all users groups of the trail system. With the increasing population surrounding DVCA, the trail system has seen a large increase in all user groups. With the work HCA will be able to provide a better experience for the public to enjoy the great outdoors.

Over the course of trail maintenance where gravel has been laid, the surface of the trails will become more compacted with the arrival of the winter months. Site inspections will be completed in the spring, trails that require further improvements will be covered with a finer layer of gravel once the base is established. During this time HCA encourages the public to be active on the trails, however with ongoing maintenance some trails may be temporarily closed, for up to date information refer to HCA visitor alerts. {Insert link}

The trail improvement project in DVCA is the largest of the trail improvement projects that is taking place within HCA conservation areas. Further trail improvement work is being carried out on trails at Valens Lake, Christie Lake and on The Dofasco Trail.

Funding for this project is made possible by the fundraising efforts of multiple user groups of DVCA, donations have been donated to HCA through the Hamilton Conservation Foundation, the fundraising branch for HCA.

Trail Improvement Project

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Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.