Watt's Pond Trail

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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

Scroll down to see the news feed of information as well as opportunities to engage.

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

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

Scroll down to see the news feed of information as well as opportunities to engage.

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

Engagement for this project closed on April 1, 2024. Thank you for your 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.

  • Share What is the total cost to the taxpayers for Phase 1? Phase 2? on Facebook Share What is the total cost to the taxpayers for Phase 1? Phase 2? on Twitter Share What is the total cost to the taxpayers for Phase 1? Phase 2? on Linkedin Email What is the total cost to the taxpayers for Phase 1? Phase 2? link

    What is the total cost to the taxpayers for Phase 1? Phase 2?

    Ltslaman asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your question. All phases of this project are entirely funded through development charges. 

    Megan Thomas
    Landscape Designer Architect
    County of Brant

  • Share The purposed path doesn't take you to the actual irrigation pond that is the center of this, why would you bring people farther away to be behind other homes instead of by the natural beauty that you are creating? Keep the path close to the irrigation ponds and maybe stock it with fish? With the invitation of going near a large pond you are inviting smaller child to go close too and potentially drown. This is a serious concern and by not intruding on the natural wildlife that is there, I assume no railings/fences or lights will be installed. The idea of a meadow is great, the path way should remain near the irrigation ponds only. on Facebook Share The purposed path doesn't take you to the actual irrigation pond that is the center of this, why would you bring people farther away to be behind other homes instead of by the natural beauty that you are creating? Keep the path close to the irrigation ponds and maybe stock it with fish? With the invitation of going near a large pond you are inviting smaller child to go close too and potentially drown. This is a serious concern and by not intruding on the natural wildlife that is there, I assume no railings/fences or lights will be installed. The idea of a meadow is great, the path way should remain near the irrigation ponds only. on Twitter Share The purposed path doesn't take you to the actual irrigation pond that is the center of this, why would you bring people farther away to be behind other homes instead of by the natural beauty that you are creating? Keep the path close to the irrigation ponds and maybe stock it with fish? With the invitation of going near a large pond you are inviting smaller child to go close too and potentially drown. This is a serious concern and by not intruding on the natural wildlife that is there, I assume no railings/fences or lights will be installed. The idea of a meadow is great, the path way should remain near the irrigation ponds only. on Linkedin Email The purposed path doesn't take you to the actual irrigation pond that is the center of this, why would you bring people farther away to be behind other homes instead of by the natural beauty that you are creating? Keep the path close to the irrigation ponds and maybe stock it with fish? With the invitation of going near a large pond you are inviting smaller child to go close too and potentially drown. This is a serious concern and by not intruding on the natural wildlife that is there, I assume no railings/fences or lights will be installed. The idea of a meadow is great, the path way should remain near the irrigation ponds only. link

    The purposed path doesn't take you to the actual irrigation pond that is the center of this, why would you bring people farther away to be behind other homes instead of by the natural beauty that you are creating? Keep the path close to the irrigation ponds and maybe stock it with fish? With the invitation of going near a large pond you are inviting smaller child to go close too and potentially drown. This is a serious concern and by not intruding on the natural wildlife that is there, I assume no railings/fences or lights will be installed. The idea of a meadow is great, the path way should remain near the irrigation ponds only.

    Pellski asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your questions. Stormwater management ponds (SWM ponds) are designed to store water and prevent flooding. They are not intended for public use. Since they store excess rainfall and collect sediment and other contaminants, they are unsuitable for aquatic species to live. Their edges, however, are valuable in providing habitats for birds, wildlife, and insects. Please visit the County's Stormwater Management Ponds webpage for more information.

    The County holds public safety at a high standard. Users are advised to be cautious, respect others on the trail, use the trail according to weather conditions and personal abilities, avoid use at night, and vulnerable users (i.e., young children, etc.) are encouraged not to travel alone.  

    No lighting will be installed in this trail network. Use of this space will only be encouraged from dawn to dusk, in line with our Parks Use By-Law.

    Megan Thomas
    Landscape Designer Architect
    County of Brant

  • Share Why is this purposed to go behind homes? Aren't there concerns for the privacy of home owners? on Facebook Share Why is this purposed to go behind homes? Aren't there concerns for the privacy of home owners? on Twitter Share Why is this purposed to go behind homes? Aren't there concerns for the privacy of home owners? on Linkedin Email Why is this purposed to go behind homes? Aren't there concerns for the privacy of home owners? link

    Why is this purposed to go behind homes? Aren't there concerns for the privacy of home owners?

    Pellski asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your feedback. The design of Watt’s Pond aims to enhance and utilize existing parkland owned by the County of Brant to achieve goals set out in our Official Plan, Trails Master Plan, and Recreation Master Plan. If privacy is a concern, there are mitigation measures that can be implemented by homeowners to help with privacy concerns including planted screening, setbacks from lot lines, diverting sightlines, etc.  

    This is a County-owned piece of land, and as a steward of the land, the County recognizes the importance of providing a well-connected public open space system consisting of parks, greenspaces, and natural areas. Public access to open space systems contributes to the quality of life that makes the County a wonderful place to live, work, and play. 

    Megan Thomas
    Landscape Designer Architect
    County of Brant

  • Share Hi there! Concerned about the number of dog walkers in the area who currently do not pick up excrement. I fear this will be the same along these trails and become an unsafe space for young children and a stinky mess for the nearest neighbours. How will you plan to mitigate this? Also, will there be any lighting along the paths? I certainly hope not. I do have many concerns that this is a naturalized area and home to a large fox den currently. Their main source of sustenance are the local mice. If the fox are driven away from the foot traffic and the construction, how do you plan to manage the mouse population? Can you please address the tick population? There are MANY ticks in that entire area and it would be helpful to see plants that encourage the population of other insects that manage the ticks. on Facebook Share Hi there! Concerned about the number of dog walkers in the area who currently do not pick up excrement. I fear this will be the same along these trails and become an unsafe space for young children and a stinky mess for the nearest neighbours. How will you plan to mitigate this? Also, will there be any lighting along the paths? I certainly hope not. I do have many concerns that this is a naturalized area and home to a large fox den currently. Their main source of sustenance are the local mice. If the fox are driven away from the foot traffic and the construction, how do you plan to manage the mouse population? Can you please address the tick population? There are MANY ticks in that entire area and it would be helpful to see plants that encourage the population of other insects that manage the ticks. on Twitter Share Hi there! Concerned about the number of dog walkers in the area who currently do not pick up excrement. I fear this will be the same along these trails and become an unsafe space for young children and a stinky mess for the nearest neighbours. How will you plan to mitigate this? Also, will there be any lighting along the paths? I certainly hope not. I do have many concerns that this is a naturalized area and home to a large fox den currently. Their main source of sustenance are the local mice. If the fox are driven away from the foot traffic and the construction, how do you plan to manage the mouse population? Can you please address the tick population? There are MANY ticks in that entire area and it would be helpful to see plants that encourage the population of other insects that manage the ticks. on Linkedin Email Hi there! Concerned about the number of dog walkers in the area who currently do not pick up excrement. I fear this will be the same along these trails and become an unsafe space for young children and a stinky mess for the nearest neighbours. How will you plan to mitigate this? Also, will there be any lighting along the paths? I certainly hope not. I do have many concerns that this is a naturalized area and home to a large fox den currently. Their main source of sustenance are the local mice. If the fox are driven away from the foot traffic and the construction, how do you plan to manage the mouse population? Can you please address the tick population? There are MANY ticks in that entire area and it would be helpful to see plants that encourage the population of other insects that manage the ticks. link

    Hi there! Concerned about the number of dog walkers in the area who currently do not pick up excrement. I fear this will be the same along these trails and become an unsafe space for young children and a stinky mess for the nearest neighbours. How will you plan to mitigate this? Also, will there be any lighting along the paths? I certainly hope not. I do have many concerns that this is a naturalized area and home to a large fox den currently. Their main source of sustenance are the local mice. If the fox are driven away from the foot traffic and the construction, how do you plan to manage the mouse population? Can you please address the tick population? There are MANY ticks in that entire area and it would be helpful to see plants that encourage the population of other insects that manage the ticks.

    Lbaldin asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your questions. The presence of formal trails can foster local stewardship and encourage sustainable and responsible use by residents. The County of Brant encourages community stewardship of the trail and the reduction of littering through signage and proper waste disposal receptacles located at various intervals throughout the trail network. Garbage bins will be emptied, and the park maintained by Park Operations Staff regularly to maintain a tidy, naturalized space. A well-designed and maintained trail system will help encourage proper use and a sense of pride for a well-kept area.  

    No lighting will be installed in this trail network. Use of this space will only be encouraged from dawn to dusk, in line with the Parks Use By-Law. 

    The County appreciates support and advocacy for wildlife habitat at this property. One of the goals for Watt’s Pond open space is to protect and enhance habitat while mitigating the presence and spread of invasive species and pests and to share nature safely and successfully between people and wildlife. Responsibly developed and maintained trail networks in natural open spaces like these are vital to achieving harmony between people and nature while encouraging healthy active lifestyles. They help foster a connection with nature and facilitate learning opportunities about cultural and natural resources. Much research exists on this topic, and our trail planning, implementation, and construction considers these aspects.

    Native meadow mixes that encourage pollinators and species that keep pests and invasive species at bay will be incorporated into the site as a top priority. Routine meadow maintenance via annual mowing in appropriate timing windows will mitigate invasive species and unwanted pests from establishing. Thoughtful inclusion of plantings and habitat creation will encourage pollinator species and a healthy functioning ecosystem.

    Southern Ontario has a large presence of ticks and other insect pests. It is important for the community to be aware of safety precautions around these insects. More information can be found on the Brant County Health Unit website.

    Megan Thomas
    Landscape Designer Architect
    County of Brant

  • Share I’m thrilled to see this proposal & the plans. If this does go through- wonderful. But I would ask if bikers could also be considered? With all the trucks using Watts Pond Road now, it’s very scary to bike in that area during the day & hwy 24 & Silver St are not built for safe booking as they are presently. Is the only safe way to get to Ayr Rd. that has a lane marked on the road to make booking safe there. Thank you. on Facebook Share I’m thrilled to see this proposal & the plans. If this does go through- wonderful. But I would ask if bikers could also be considered? With all the trucks using Watts Pond Road now, it’s very scary to bike in that area during the day & hwy 24 & Silver St are not built for safe booking as they are presently. Is the only safe way to get to Ayr Rd. that has a lane marked on the road to make booking safe there. Thank you. on Twitter Share I’m thrilled to see this proposal & the plans. If this does go through- wonderful. But I would ask if bikers could also be considered? With all the trucks using Watts Pond Road now, it’s very scary to bike in that area during the day & hwy 24 & Silver St are not built for safe booking as they are presently. Is the only safe way to get to Ayr Rd. that has a lane marked on the road to make booking safe there. Thank you. on Linkedin Email I’m thrilled to see this proposal & the plans. If this does go through- wonderful. But I would ask if bikers could also be considered? With all the trucks using Watts Pond Road now, it’s very scary to bike in that area during the day & hwy 24 & Silver St are not built for safe booking as they are presently. Is the only safe way to get to Ayr Rd. that has a lane marked on the road to make booking safe there. Thank you. link

    I’m thrilled to see this proposal & the plans. If this does go through- wonderful. But I would ask if bikers could also be considered? With all the trucks using Watts Pond Road now, it’s very scary to bike in that area during the day & hwy 24 & Silver St are not built for safe booking as they are presently. Is the only safe way to get to Ayr Rd. that has a lane marked on the road to make booking safe there. Thank you.

    Capemaur asked 8 months ago

    Thank you for your support of the plan and for your question. While this trail is primarily meant for pedestrians, use by bicycles will be permitted. If this trail serves as a means for a safe connection to your destination, Staff are happy to facilitate it. The County of Brant is actively working to incorporate better on and off-road cycling infrastructure on new and existing roads and trails. Over the coming years the County hopes to provide residents with safe and connected active transportation facilities. 

    Megan Thomas
    Landscape Designer Architect
    County of Brant

Page last updated: 02 Apr 2024, 11:18 AM