North of the Nith Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan

Phase 2 of the North of the Nith Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan focused on developing design options based on what we heard in Phase 1 and the findings from the existing conditions analysis, Existing Conditions Summary Report. The design options were informed by ongoing engagement with First Nation partners, Community Partners, and County departments through update meetings, workshops, and consultations.

5 Big Moves developed to guide the draft Master Plan

1. Penman’s Pass Extension – improve and enhance the link between Penman’s Pass Trail and the parking lot creating a secondary entrance
2. Mountain Bike Trail Park – in addition to creating shared trails throughout North of the Nith, create a 10 acres (4 hectares) mountain bike trail network on the capped landfill
3. Environmental Restoration and Protection – prioritize the revitalization and protection of the natural environment through active stewardship, education, and siting new trails and amenities away from environmentally sensitive areas
4. Gateway Hub – create a welcoming and inviting entrance from Railway Street that includes parking, trailhead and welcome signage, an outdoor classroom, accessible trails, and an education centre
5. Loops and Links (Trail Network) – establish a themed trail system based on existing landscape types, with integrated wayfinding and interpretive elements that highlight the natural environment

These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity and access, formalize site programming and facilities, and ensure sustainable use and protection of the natural environment.

A draft 20+ year Implementation Strategy was also developed, outlining 27 proposed projects categorized into short-term (1–5 years), medium-term (6–10 years), and long-term (11+ years) phases. Project prioritization considered factors such as regulatory approvals, public safety, funding, and ownership. Each project includes details on leadership, partnerships, descriptions, and estimated costs.

View the draft North of the Nith Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan and Implementation Strategy and the presentation.

How to get involved

We invite you to review the plan, all the information provided, and share your comments and questions until Friday, November 14, 2025.

The final Master Plan will incorporate guidelines for the 5 Big Moves, additional non-site-specific recommendations, and the finalized Implementation Strategy to guide future development.

After this review period, staff will review any feedback received and bring forward the final version of the plan to Council in December.

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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

1. Start Phase 3: Decide which includes the development of the final Master Plan and Implementation Strategy recommendations.
2. Draft Master Plan and Implementation Strategy will be presented for public feedback.
3. 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'.

With your help, we'll develop a plan that can include trails for walking and cycling, considers additional recreational uses, and seeks opportunities to protect and enhance natural features.

For your convenience

• Complete the online survey by Friday, October 11 at 4:30 pm.
• Prefer a printed survey? Stop by any County of Brant main Customer Service locations to pick up a copy until Friday, October 11 at 4:30 pm.
• You can also complete the survey over the phone by calling 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or 1.855.44BRANT (1.855.442.7268).
• Have a comment or question about the Trails and Open Space Master Plan for the "North of the Nith"? Let us know.

Engagement closes on Friday, October 11 at 4:30 pm.

Park Pop-up Event

Join us to learn more and share your thoughts about the a Trails and Open Space Master Plan for the "North of the Nith" area in Paris.

While you're there, don't forget to enter a draw to win one of two North of the Nith prize packs!