Watt's Pond Trail

Phase one of the Watt's Pond Trail is now complete. Thank you to everyone who shared their questions and feedback!

Once complete, Watt’s Pond Trail will provide an immersive experience through a meandering and intertwined trail network engulfed in native meadow vegetation and bordered by Watt’s Pond to the north. Users can stroll along the limestone screening pathway, rest or gather at the dispersed seating locations meant to offer both a reprieve and foster a sense of community, or learn about the surrounding environment through strategically placed interpretive signage.

This new trail system is in an area of high ecological integrity, is in close proximity to Environmentally Sensitive Areas (i.e. Heron nesting, etc.), and will remain a natural environment meant

Once complete, Watt’s Pond Trail will provide an immersive experience through a meandering and intertwined trail network engulfed in native meadow vegetation and bordered by Watt’s Pond to the north. Users can stroll along the limestone screening pathway, rest or gather at the dispersed seating locations meant to offer both a reprieve and foster a sense of community, or learn about the surrounding environment through strategically placed interpretive signage.

This new trail system is in an area of high ecological integrity, is in close proximity to Environmentally Sensitive Areas (i.e. Heron nesting, etc.), and will remain a natural environment meant only for passive recreation.

The trail will be accessible from 3 locations – one entrance off the pedestrian connection from Drake Avenue and two entrances off Hartley Avenue, one on either side of the stormwater management pond.

Some trail features include:

  • Approximately 1km of meandering trails (Phase 1)
  • 2m wide limestone screening pathway
  • Accessible and delineated surfacing with a running slope not exceeding 5%
  • Meadow and pollinator plantings
  • Native trees and vegetation
  • Seating nodes with site furnishings (benches, picnic tables, waste receptacles, areas for mobility devices, etc.)
  • Trailhead kiosks and interpretive signage
  • Trail-side armour stone seating for resting

View the complete Watt's Pond Trail concept plan.

Watt's Pond Trial is located at 816 Watt’s Pond Road within the Pinehurst Subdivision in northern Paris. The trail will be completed in phases as development continues to expand. Phase One, as depicted on the Plan, spans from Drake Avenue to the current termination of Hartley Avenue. Construction is planned for 2024.

Planning for the Watt’s Pond Trail was initiated when the subdivision plans were filed with the County in 2016. Development charges will fund the trail construction in this phase.

Stay informed

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Phase one of the Watt's Pond Trail is now complete. Thank you to everyone who shared their questions and feedback!

  • Trail Update - March 2026

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    The first phase of the Watts Pond Trail was completed in August 2025 and is open for residents to enjoy.

    Thank you to everyone who reviewed the concept plan, shared feedback, and followed the progress of this project. Your input helped shape the final trail design and supported the creation of a welcoming natural space for the community.

    About the Trail

    Watts Pond Trail offers a peaceful place to walk and connect with nature. The trail winds through native meadow vegetation beside Watts Pond and provides opportunities to rest, gather, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

    Phase One includes:

    • About 1 kilometre of trail
    • A 2 metre wide limestone pathway
    • Seating areas along the route
    • Native meadow and pollinator plantings
    • Space designed for quiet, passive recreation


    The trail is located in an area with important natural features and nearby environmentally sensitive habitat. Because of this, the space has been designed to remain a natural environment focused on walking and enjoying nature.

    Additional interpretive signage and kiosks were also installed along the trail. These signs share the history of the site and highlight the importance of meadow and tall grass prairie habitats.

    What’s Next

    Future phases of the trail network are planned to the west and will be completed as development continues in the area.

    The Watts Pond Trail project page will now be archived as the project moves into the operations phase.

  • Construction to Begin Early April 2025

    Thank you to everyone who took the time to review the Watt's Pond Trail concept plan, ask questions, and share their thoughts on the project. Your feedback plays an important role in shaping community spaces like these.

    Many of you shared your support for the seating options and overall layout, but did request privacy plantings behind some of the existing residential properties in anticipation of future trail phases. We appreciate this input and are working to incorporate these considerations into the final plan.

    What’s Next?

    Trail construction is scheduled to begin in early April and will continue throughout the month until the project is complete. Please note that the trail will not be accessible to the public during construction to ensure the safety of both residents and construction crews.

    We’re excited to bring this new connection to nature, health, and community to life and look forward to welcoming you onto the Watts Pond Trail once construction wraps up.

    Subscribe for updates by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and clicking ‘Subscribe'. Thank you again for being part of the process!

  • Engage with us!

    The Watt's Pond Trail is not just a pathway; it's a connection to nature, health, and community. We invite you to be part of shaping this exciting project by providing your valuable feedback.
    What do you think of our seating options? Have we provided enough throughout this trail network? Have additional comments or questions about the Watt's Pond Trail? Let us know. Please leave your comment or question using the tool.


    Online engagement closes Monday, April 1, 2024 at 4:30 pm .