Phase 1 and 2 engagement summary

What we heard

To shape the Master Plan, a range of engagement activities were held from September 2024 to October 2025, including a pop-up event in the park, an online public survey, and interviews and meetings with First Nation and Community Partners. Thank you to everyone that participated in our in-person events and shared their thoughts through our online survey.

Currently, we are completing Phase 2, ‘Explore’ of the Master Plan. This summary includes all past engagement events to date from Phases 1 and 2. Across all engagement formats, participants expressed a strong desire to both protect the natural character of the lands and enhance access for low-impact recreation. Community Partner Meeting 02: Workshop is scheduled for the middle of October.

Pop-up in the Park event

A pop-up event on September 14, 2024, in Lions Park, Paris was held to help determine common community values and guiding principles for the project. Approximately 100-150 community members attended. Participants were able to view display panels and vote on preferred features using a dot activity. Many residents indicated support for mountain biking and trail-based recreation, while also recommending further habitat studies and stronger conservation efforts.

Public online survey

The public online survey, available from September 4 to October 11, 2024, received over 300 responses and more than 1,000 webpage visits. Respondents consistently emphasized the need to preserve the landscape’s natural feel while introducing sustainable amenities such as hiking and mountain bike trails, rest areas, and access points to the water. Minimal infrastructure was preferred, such as washrooms and drinking fountains only where necessary to avoid overdevelopment. Many participants advocated for habitat restoration and invasive species control, reinforcing sustainability as a core value.

View the full Survey Responses Report.

First Nation partner interviews

Early conversations with Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation emphasized the importance of ongoing Indigenous involvement throughout the project, the need for additional environmental studies, and a shared vision to heal and restore the land.

Community partner interviews

Feedback from Community Partner emphasized protection of natural ecosystems, the need for more detailed site inventory, and the importance of balancing conservation with passive recreation. Many also expressed interest in expanding the project boundaries, encouraging community stewardship, and preventing further ecological impact.

Community partner meeting 01 - Project update

An in-person engagement event was attended by 15 members representing various First Nation communities and Community Partners. Participants were updated on the findings from the Existing Conditions Summary Report. There was general consensus around the analysis presented. As part of the discussion, attendees recommended to include Safety alongside the Inclusion and Accessibility guiding principle. Additionally, a revision to the vision statement was proposed to better reflect the shared values and priorities of the group.

Where we are going

Based on public, Indigenous and Community Partner input, the Master Plan will prioritize:

Conservation-first approach, ensuring environmental protection and ecological restoration serve as the foundation of all future projects and initiatives.
Trail-based recreation, with a focus on hiking and mountain bike networks, including designated mountain biking routes where appropriate.
Sustainable, low-impact amenities, providing only essential infrastructure to support visitors’ experience without compromising the natural character of the landscape.
Indigenous partnership and collaboration at every stage of the planning, design, and implementation.
Stewardship and community involvement, exploring opportunities for volunteer programs and long-term care models.

The feedback collected has shaped the vision and guiding principles for the North of the Nith Master Plan which will guide the Implementation Strategy presented in the final Master Plan report.

Next Steps

Start Phase 3: Decide which includes the development of the final Master Plan and Implementation Strategy recommendations.
Draft Master Plan and Implementation Strategy will be presented for public feedback.
Incorporate public and Community Partner input into the final Master Plan – target end of 2025 for Council approval.

Subscribe for updates and be the first to learn more about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.