FAQs

Funding for the project has been included in the County's 2026 budget, with a maximum project budget of $125,000.

The project is still in the early design stage. Community feedback will help inform whether and how the project moves forward, as well as elements of the final design.

We are seeking feedback on whether the proposed trail and observation deck should move forward and, if so, how the project should be designed.

Residents will be able to provide feedback on the concept design, accessibility features, signage and interpretive information, potential concerns or impacts, and other considerations that could help make the trail work well for the Oakland community.

The property boundaries and general route of the proposed trail are already established and cannot be changed through this engagement.

Potential impacts on wildlife and habitat have been identified as an important consideration and will be considered as part of the project's planning and design.

Community feedback will also help identify environmental concerns or considerations that the project team may not have already considered.

Yes. The County is consulting with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) as part of the planning and design process.

The GRCA's input, along with potential impacts on wildlife, habitat and the natural environment, will be considered as the project develops. Any required permits or approvals will be identified through this process and applied for at the appropriate stage of the project.

The railway bridge that once crossed Smith Mill Pond no longer exists, but an original bridge abutment remains.

The current concept proposes incorporating the abutment into the observation deck and providing interpretive information about the former railway route.

The proposed stone dust trail would accommodate walking, cycling, mobility devices and visitors with dogs. No motorized vehicles are allowed.

The trail is intended to function much like a neighbourhood park and provide a place for passive recreation and access to nature.

The proposed trail will be maintained and available to use seasonally from April 1 to November 30.

There are a small number of residences near the proposed trail. The trail is intended to be a passive, neighbourhood-scale recreational space and is not expected to attract high levels of use.

Existing vegetation provides screening between the trail area and nearby properties and noise impacts are not anticipated. 

Additional potential impacts may also be identified through the community engagement process and will be considered as the project develops.