Bayfield Flats Connecting Trail

 

In 2017, a group of community members banded together to raise the money to purchase the 4.75 acre parcel of land known as the Bayfield River Flats, with both environmental significance and a deep historical tie to the area. The land that once held Thompson’s Mill, whose saw and grist mill were important developments to the pioneer settlers of the region, and a dam that provided the first bridge across the Bayfield River, has now been donated to the Huron Tract Land Trust Conservancy to preserve and steward for generations to come. The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association’s volunteers will continue to maintain the property at no cost to the public.

 

After the bridge that carries Bluewater Highway (Highway 21) over the river was replaced in 2021 and new sidewalks added in 2022, another fundraising project was begun with the vision of creating a pedestrian walkway from the town of Bayfield to the flats without the need to cross the busy highway. This project saw over $50,000 raised in the community to complete the walkway under the bridge.

 

The project is out to tender this spring, with a construction target of the month of May to complete the stone dust trail and landscaping.

 

Soon, visitors will be able to park in the town or at the marina or beach and after a 10 or 15 minute short walk, they will stroll leisurely under the bridge to enjoy nature and take in the interpretive signs along the trail to give context to the park.

The area features an easy trail just over a kilometer in length which has, in addition to the historical signs, picnic tables, a canoe launch, and an Osprey nesting site next to the bridge. While ambling along the trail, visitors can view the remnants of the mill, dam and a fish net reel. The space is also a designated Monarch butterfly reserve, and a popular stop on the annual migration route. https://htltc.ca/bayfield-river-flats/ or https://www.bayfieldtrails.com/the-river-flats 76520 Bluewater Highway, Bayfield.