North of the Nith Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan

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The County of Brant is excited to announce the development of a Trails and Open Space Master Plan for the "North of the Nith" area. This beautiful natural peninsula, located along the north side of the Nith River near Paris, spans over 200 acres and is largely forested with diverse natural features. Currently, the area is enjoyed informally by community members for recreation and includes natural features like wetlands, floodplains, and the Nith River, which supports species at risk.

The purpose of this Master Plan is to create a balanced vision for the future of North of the Nith that

The County of Brant is excited to announce the development of a Trails and Open Space Master Plan for the "North of the Nith" area. This beautiful natural peninsula, located along the north side of the Nith River near Paris, spans over 200 acres and is largely forested with diverse natural features. Currently, the area is enjoyed informally by community members for recreation and includes natural features like wetlands, floodplains, and the Nith River, which supports species at risk.

The purpose of this Master Plan is to create a balanced vision for the future of North of the Nith that respects the natural environment, provides opportunities for education, enhances recreational opportunities, and celebrates the history of the Nith River. The final plan will include a concept plan and phased implementation strategy to guide the long-term development of this unique natural space.

The benefits

The following benefits aim to enhance the quality of life for residents while safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage of the North of the Nith lands.

Recreational opportunities:

  • Utilize available lands for recreation and trails, offering activities like mountain biking, hiking, and more, close to the urban boundary of Paris.
  • Provide safe, legal access to the property for a variety of groups and the general public.

Environmental preservation and enhancement:

  • Enhance and restore natural heritage features, including wetlands, tributaries, and ecological linkages.
  • Mitigate flood risks by creating additional wetlands and planting erosion-reducing species where feasible.

Improved safety and accessibility:

  • Foster a safer environment by managing unauthorized trail use and ensuring proper access points.

Educational opportunities:

  • Provide educational opportunities that celebrate the cultural and ecological history of the Nith River.

Community and economic benefits:

  • Promote sustainable ecotourism, enhancing the economic benefit in the County of Brant.
  • Improve the mental, social, and physical well-being of the community by creating spaces that encourage outdoor activities and social interactions.

Long-term sustainability:

  • Ensure the area remains a valuable and sustainable natural space for future generations through careful planning and ecological restoration.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Working in partnership with the Grand River Conservation Authority and drawing on community feedback as well as input from key community partners, the County will explore ways to safely and sustainably develop a connected, accessible trail network, consider additional recreational uses, and seek opportunities to protect and enhance natural features.

FAQs

We have included a list of frequently asked questions to help answer some questions you may have about the project.

Stay informed

Scroll down to see the news feed of information including opportunities to engage, a timeline of events, supporting information, and more.

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Comments and questions

County of Brant Staff aim to maintain a respectful and constructive dialogue with the public through all forms of communication. We understand and appreciate that people will have differing opinions and concerns, and welcome all feedback, questions, and comments in a respectful and constructive manner.

Please leave your comment or ask your question below. We will do our best to respond within 3 business days. You may also find answers to some of your questions on our FAQs page.

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  • Share Glad the trails are getting made some things I like on trails is good signs and if u can link Them together even better , I also like natural looking and feeling trails and some friends like machine groomed trails but not me I want fast tech nice drops not dirt jumper jumps and some spots to chill out and rest around the park would be nice , ps we will need a trail groomer for fatbiking in the winter lol , I have about 10 riders in my crew all from paris and Brantford that would like to help if and when we can on Facebook Share Glad the trails are getting made some things I like on trails is good signs and if u can link Them together even better , I also like natural looking and feeling trails and some friends like machine groomed trails but not me I want fast tech nice drops not dirt jumper jumps and some spots to chill out and rest around the park would be nice , ps we will need a trail groomer for fatbiking in the winter lol , I have about 10 riders in my crew all from paris and Brantford that would like to help if and when we can on Twitter Share Glad the trails are getting made some things I like on trails is good signs and if u can link Them together even better , I also like natural looking and feeling trails and some friends like machine groomed trails but not me I want fast tech nice drops not dirt jumper jumps and some spots to chill out and rest around the park would be nice , ps we will need a trail groomer for fatbiking in the winter lol , I have about 10 riders in my crew all from paris and Brantford that would like to help if and when we can on Linkedin Email Glad the trails are getting made some things I like on trails is good signs and if u can link Them together even better , I also like natural looking and feeling trails and some friends like machine groomed trails but not me I want fast tech nice drops not dirt jumper jumps and some spots to chill out and rest around the park would be nice , ps we will need a trail groomer for fatbiking in the winter lol , I have about 10 riders in my crew all from paris and Brantford that would like to help if and when we can link

    Glad the trails are getting made some things I like on trails is good signs and if u can link Them together even better , I also like natural looking and feeling trails and some friends like machine groomed trails but not me I want fast tech nice drops not dirt jumper jumps and some spots to chill out and rest around the park would be nice , ps we will need a trail groomer for fatbiking in the winter lol , I have about 10 riders in my crew all from paris and Brantford that would like to help if and when we can

    Shane asked 27 days ago

    Thank you for your feedback! We are looking forward to the project as well. 

  • Share The Master Plan and overall concept looks great. How can this work be accelerated to bring this space to the community even sooner? on Facebook Share The Master Plan and overall concept looks great. How can this work be accelerated to bring this space to the community even sooner? on Twitter Share The Master Plan and overall concept looks great. How can this work be accelerated to bring this space to the community even sooner? on Linkedin Email The Master Plan and overall concept looks great. How can this work be accelerated to bring this space to the community even sooner? link

    The Master Plan and overall concept looks great. How can this work be accelerated to bring this space to the community even sooner?

    Tim Carre asked about 1 month ago

    Thank you for your feedback! The North of the Nith Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan is scheduled for Council approval in Q1 2026. The County is currently working with the GRCA and MECP on preliminary agreements/ approvals that will help move the Master Plan forward once it is approved by Council.  Upon Council approval, the Master Plan will also need to be incorporated into the County’s Long-Term Financial Plan and 10-Year Capital Forecast.  The timelines/ budgets in the draft Master Plan are deemed realistic based on anticipated approval timelines, the current financial capacity of the County and anticipated community fundraising/ sponsorship capacity.   Being a 20 year plan with many variables, there will likely be adjustments made to the plan over time.  

    Upon Council approval, Community Members/Groups/Organizations/Businesses that have an interest in contributing/developing any of the projects outlined in the implementation schedule are encouraged to reach out to the Director of Parks & Recreation or the General Manager of Community Services.  

  • Share why are atvs and quads and moror bikes allowed to tear around north of the nith, causing a lot f damage to the soil, forest floor and trails. on Facebook Share why are atvs and quads and moror bikes allowed to tear around north of the nith, causing a lot f damage to the soil, forest floor and trails. on Twitter Share why are atvs and quads and moror bikes allowed to tear around north of the nith, causing a lot f damage to the soil, forest floor and trails. on Linkedin Email why are atvs and quads and moror bikes allowed to tear around north of the nith, causing a lot f damage to the soil, forest floor and trails. link

    why are atvs and quads and moror bikes allowed to tear around north of the nith, causing a lot f damage to the soil, forest floor and trails.

    Pam Fisher asked 7 months ago

    There is no permitted public access to the North of Nith property, any current use is unauthorized and considered trespassing. If you see motorized vehicles on this property, please reach out to the County of Brant By-Law Department, or the OPP's non-emergency number with your concerns.

  • Share What is the status of The Brant Battery Energy Storage Project aiming to use the same area? Last year I've seen markers in the field at the top left of the first picture for some kind of construction, transmission poles possibly. They have faded now. With both projects where is the wildlife supposed to go in the area? There are herds of deer still around which I run into every time I visit there. Lots of frog/toad ponds that erupt in spring, foxes, coyotes, owls living in the area next to tons of species of indigenous plants. Something needs to be done anyway. Since the other side of the Nith has been uprooted for housing projects, the North side has gotten far more busy with quad and motor bikes chewing up the trails. Last winter I had a nasty fall due to the messy trails (slipping on the mud on the steep banks overuse of quad bikes create) with two of my fingers now permanently disfigured. More and more trails are becoming dangerous to use when wet or snow covered and more trails are being carved through the woods. It has become quite a maze of crisscross motor bike trails in the past 2 years. While it's amusing to watch the continuous struggle between the county placing concrete blocks and dead trees in the way to stop quad bikes and quad bikes creating new paths around the obstructions, the county is losing the battle in preserving the area. on Facebook Share What is the status of The Brant Battery Energy Storage Project aiming to use the same area? Last year I've seen markers in the field at the top left of the first picture for some kind of construction, transmission poles possibly. They have faded now. With both projects where is the wildlife supposed to go in the area? There are herds of deer still around which I run into every time I visit there. Lots of frog/toad ponds that erupt in spring, foxes, coyotes, owls living in the area next to tons of species of indigenous plants. Something needs to be done anyway. Since the other side of the Nith has been uprooted for housing projects, the North side has gotten far more busy with quad and motor bikes chewing up the trails. Last winter I had a nasty fall due to the messy trails (slipping on the mud on the steep banks overuse of quad bikes create) with two of my fingers now permanently disfigured. More and more trails are becoming dangerous to use when wet or snow covered and more trails are being carved through the woods. It has become quite a maze of crisscross motor bike trails in the past 2 years. While it's amusing to watch the continuous struggle between the county placing concrete blocks and dead trees in the way to stop quad bikes and quad bikes creating new paths around the obstructions, the county is losing the battle in preserving the area. on Twitter Share What is the status of The Brant Battery Energy Storage Project aiming to use the same area? Last year I've seen markers in the field at the top left of the first picture for some kind of construction, transmission poles possibly. They have faded now. With both projects where is the wildlife supposed to go in the area? There are herds of deer still around which I run into every time I visit there. Lots of frog/toad ponds that erupt in spring, foxes, coyotes, owls living in the area next to tons of species of indigenous plants. Something needs to be done anyway. Since the other side of the Nith has been uprooted for housing projects, the North side has gotten far more busy with quad and motor bikes chewing up the trails. Last winter I had a nasty fall due to the messy trails (slipping on the mud on the steep banks overuse of quad bikes create) with two of my fingers now permanently disfigured. More and more trails are becoming dangerous to use when wet or snow covered and more trails are being carved through the woods. It has become quite a maze of crisscross motor bike trails in the past 2 years. While it's amusing to watch the continuous struggle between the county placing concrete blocks and dead trees in the way to stop quad bikes and quad bikes creating new paths around the obstructions, the county is losing the battle in preserving the area. on Linkedin Email What is the status of The Brant Battery Energy Storage Project aiming to use the same area? Last year I've seen markers in the field at the top left of the first picture for some kind of construction, transmission poles possibly. They have faded now. With both projects where is the wildlife supposed to go in the area? There are herds of deer still around which I run into every time I visit there. Lots of frog/toad ponds that erupt in spring, foxes, coyotes, owls living in the area next to tons of species of indigenous plants. Something needs to be done anyway. Since the other side of the Nith has been uprooted for housing projects, the North side has gotten far more busy with quad and motor bikes chewing up the trails. Last winter I had a nasty fall due to the messy trails (slipping on the mud on the steep banks overuse of quad bikes create) with two of my fingers now permanently disfigured. More and more trails are becoming dangerous to use when wet or snow covered and more trails are being carved through the woods. It has become quite a maze of crisscross motor bike trails in the past 2 years. While it's amusing to watch the continuous struggle between the county placing concrete blocks and dead trees in the way to stop quad bikes and quad bikes creating new paths around the obstructions, the county is losing the battle in preserving the area. link

    What is the status of The Brant Battery Energy Storage Project aiming to use the same area? Last year I've seen markers in the field at the top left of the first picture for some kind of construction, transmission poles possibly. They have faded now. With both projects where is the wildlife supposed to go in the area? There are herds of deer still around which I run into every time I visit there. Lots of frog/toad ponds that erupt in spring, foxes, coyotes, owls living in the area next to tons of species of indigenous plants. Something needs to be done anyway. Since the other side of the Nith has been uprooted for housing projects, the North side has gotten far more busy with quad and motor bikes chewing up the trails. Last winter I had a nasty fall due to the messy trails (slipping on the mud on the steep banks overuse of quad bikes create) with two of my fingers now permanently disfigured. More and more trails are becoming dangerous to use when wet or snow covered and more trails are being carved through the woods. It has become quite a maze of crisscross motor bike trails in the past 2 years. While it's amusing to watch the continuous struggle between the county placing concrete blocks and dead trees in the way to stop quad bikes and quad bikes creating new paths around the obstructions, the county is losing the battle in preserving the area.

    SvennoJ asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. Brant Municipal Enterprises (BME) is currently conducting due diligence on the potential value and feasibility of a Battery Energy Storage Project in the County of Brant. This process includes evaluating environmental considerations and community impacts to ensure a balanced approach that respects the area's natural habitat while addressing energy needs. Your observations have been forwarded to BME, and they will ensure your concerns are taken into account as part of the broader evaluation process.

    The County of Brant is in the process of developing a Master Plan that respects the natural environment, provides opportunities for education, incorporates Indigenous place-keeping, enhances recreational opportunities, and celebrates the history of the Nith River. This includes preservation of natural habitats for wildlife and species-at-risk. 

  • Share I love this idea. We have been long-time users of the Barkers' Bush trails, but frankly they are getting a little old and too busy the cycle on. Am I correct in assuming that access will be from the west end of Railway Street? on Facebook Share I love this idea. We have been long-time users of the Barkers' Bush trails, but frankly they are getting a little old and too busy the cycle on. Am I correct in assuming that access will be from the west end of Railway Street? on Twitter Share I love this idea. We have been long-time users of the Barkers' Bush trails, but frankly they are getting a little old and too busy the cycle on. Am I correct in assuming that access will be from the west end of Railway Street? on Linkedin Email I love this idea. We have been long-time users of the Barkers' Bush trails, but frankly they are getting a little old and too busy the cycle on. Am I correct in assuming that access will be from the west end of Railway Street? link

    I love this idea. We have been long-time users of the Barkers' Bush trails, but frankly they are getting a little old and too busy the cycle on. Am I correct in assuming that access will be from the west end of Railway Street?

    RickOBrien asked over 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. Access is being determined through the Master Planning Process and has yet to be confirmed, however the west end of Railway St. seems to be the most logical access point. 

Page last updated: 05 Nov 2025, 11:38 AM