Barker's Bush Trails Master Plan

This entire area should be protected and preserved for wildlife and walking/running only. We are losing so much nature to development, and places like this are a treasure we have to save for future generations. Please keep development away from this area and keep playgrounds and sports in the existing Lions Park area.
I suggest if you have budget set for park "improvements" you purchase more land for forest trails to enhance our options for walks with the population expanding as it is and all our local walks and trails so popular and overcrowded.

I live adjacent to this wonderful area and have used the entire trail system on a daily basis for hiking, biking and running for over 25 years. With my family, we have maintained sections of trail and regularly do garbage/litter collections. The key objective for this unique natural area should be protection and conservation. So, to answer the question, it should all be protected and impact from the subdivision should be managed thoughtfully. Ideally, it should be a formal conservation area.

It is important to understand that this is a diverse yet sensitive habitat that many animals call home, not to mention the unique river valley vegetation. We are merely visitors, and we should respect and use the trails responsibly. That means minimal off-trail use which allows the forest residents their space and reduces damage to vegetation. It also means no motorized vehicles.

There is a reason that quads/ATVs are banned from the majority of natural areas. They displace wildlife, ruin and rut out trails, destroy vegetation, create breeding grounds for mosquitos and cause substantial erosion. They are also dangerous and noisy for other trail users and surrounding residents. This is not a large area and the impact on all levels is too great to allow.

The existing trail system provides a great start to formalize a number of route options for trail users, including a wider path route and single-track routes. I currently run a 10km route that uses the majority of the trail system. Aside from trail maintenance, I would suggest a formalized map (downloadable via link/QR) at access points, suggested routes (based on distance and terrain) and understated wayfinding throughout. Additional signage (tasteful/appropriate) can inform trail users of the flora and fauna they will experience in Barker's Bush. My favourite trails? All of them!

This is a truly unique and special area – it’s one of the few biodiverse habitats that we have left. I hope the County of Brant and WSP understand what this forested area represents, and that when it comes to natural habitats, conservation is the only true form of enhancement. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts and I would welcome the opportunity to consult further.

Barker's Bush in combination with Lions Park are pieces of land that have been cherished by the community for years. Not just the community in fact, people travel to our small town regularly to escape the city life.

Why are we in such a rush to change this? Aside from greed, what other possible explanation could there be for dropping yet another ugly cookie-cutter subdivision -not outside of town- but right in eyesight's way of the walking trails?

What are your favourite traits of the Barkers Bush Trails?
I am not sure how to answer this. It is a forest trail, my favorite traits are that it is a forest, with a trail to enjoy. Certainly one reason I enjoy forest trails in general is to get away from city buildings, not see new ones.

What do you think could be changed or upgraded?
Nothing should be needlessly changed. If there are areas in need of preservation or upkeep, (which there will be with the influx of people and litter) please act accordingly.

What should be protected?
Absolutely all of it without question, including the farm land you sold out for more dirty builder money.

Removed by moderator.

With the increased concern for flood protection along the Nith, how will the County mitigate the additional surface water runoff generated by the proposed development. I worry that the development will reduce storm water attenuation, resulting in increased flooding and reduced bank stability during heavy rain events. In my opinion, concrete embankments are not the right option as they destroy the natural beauty of the river and displace the local habitat.

I hope the County has factored in the increased risk of flooding and erosion as a result of development this close to the River.

These trails should be mostly untouched, as they keep a rugged and natural feel to the town. I notice so much litters down there from partiers and graffiti - there should be more signage for local fines/warnings for the act of littering and vandalism. It's sad when this happens but great that county staff is very responsive to reports of graffiti in park areas. Additional garbage cans with a wooden/non conspicuous design might encourage more proper disposal of garbage on the trials. The other thing that could be a concern is the use of ATV and dirt bikes. I get that they are a great source of outdoor enjoyment for some, but they are damaging the areas with huge indents and the noise could be disruptive for animals. Some of the narrow trails could be hazardous when shared by vehicles and hikers as ATV drivers might be going fast and not see them or their pets soon enough. Maybe creating an ATV designated only area would be helpful. To avoid risk of people falling down steep, eroded river banks, there could be some signs placed in areas where banks aren't easy visible, I've seen people scale down steep and dangerous areas to access the river. Things like low-height wood/log fences that blend into the landscape in these dangerous areas would be nice (at orange star points). Other than these suggestions, the changes should be minimal. There aren't many places left like this. The informal (red and yellow) should remain informal, but with small signs for access for the Losani development. Only the Green (formal) should be the most modified. That way, the deep, natural woodland of the place can remain mostly as is except for suggestions above.

We love Barker's Bush and visit several times each week. We appreciate the new signage and the way the trails have been cleaned up a bit while retaining the wild, natural aspects. We are particularly grateful for the work that has been done to move the trail back from the edge of the cliff where it was particularly dangerous. This was a good move!
I was thinking yesterday that it would be nice to have some picnic tables placed in a few spots throughout the trail system so folks can sit and enjoy the scenery.
I still don't like it when dirt bikes come roaring down the path towards us and somehow we are the ones expected to leap into the bushes to avoid collision. Not cool. If there is going to be a section devoted to recreation vehicles, there should be very clear signage posted and significant consequences for those who venture into the walking trails on their motorized vehicles.
For a town that straddles two rivers, Paris has relatively few spots for the people who live here to access the rivers. Barker's Bush is a gift to us all and we so appreciate it. We saw several families splashing in the water along the Nith yesterday and it was wonderful to see!

Favourite parts of trails are: the natural beauty, views of Paris and The Nith from different vantage points, being able to observe wildlife.
Keep trails as natural as possible with few indiscriminate, yet effective signs/symbols to enforce trail etiquette.
Certain areas display complete degradation by ATV’s and dirt bikes that have a negative impact and disregard on the natural environment/ habitats. Witnessing scared deer run off by vehicles is alarming and sad.
Would like to see rehabilitation of areas damaged by rogue vehicles. Looking forward to future plans.

Having used Barker's Bush trails since moving here 32 years ago much has changed. Fact:Population growth will continue to increase the yearly usage of trails. To preserve this area as a natural green space is it possible and realistic to clearly define boundary areas for specific usage? Should it be a walking only area to minimize the destruction of this green space and wildlife habitat? This is not a large area and if it continues to be used a multi-use trail system (walking, bike riding, ATV usage etc.) it will simply degrade to an eroded wasteland. Many current trails are already deeply cut and often water filled and muddy due to over use. The deer yard along the Nith no longer exists and the deer population has been forced to scatter. If there is the opportunity to make this a haven for leaving footprints only it can be saved for future generation usage.

We enjoy the places where we can actually dip our toes in the river and skip some stones across it with our grandchildren. There are surprisingly few spots like this.

Perhaps our favourite spot is actually not in Barker's Bush itself, but rather on the hilltop west of Lion's Park. From there you can see across the fields and also across the rooftops of downtown. I sincerely hope that the county owns that hilltop...

Favourite traits: quiet, nature, corn fields, sky and clouds, woods, flowers, river. A lot will be lost and it is sad.
So many homes added will not only take away the quiet and the magnificent view, but I fear will add a total excess of trail users. The official trails have already become much busier over 2020 and 2021.
Please protect the walking and biking trails and do not reduce them further. Please place signs where motorized vehicles (ATV) are not allowed.
Would it be possible to add a footbridge in the west area from existing trails to Brant County land on the other side of the Nith to extend walking trails?