The caretakers of Canada’s oldest and longest continuous public footpath are officially asking people to stay off it.
The Bruce Trail Conservancy posted a message today from its CEO Michael McDonald encouraging people to stay off the trail.
“We didn’t think we’d ever be encouraging people to stay off the Bruce Trail,” states McDonald.
The conservancy can’t bar access at trailheads or enforce closures, but the group is hoping people will stay away from the trail until further notice.
“Many popular areas have seen increased crowding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” states McDonald.
The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority also announced today it was closing all its conservation areas and trails. Bruce County has closed its trails.
Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority has left its conservation areas open and urges those who use it to continue to observe physical distancing.
“I know this is hard,” states McDonald. “For many of us, the Bruce Trail is an escape from the stresses of difficult times. We know hiking is good for our overall physical and mental health. It’s heartbreaking to dissuade people from using our wonderful footpath, but it is absolutely crucial that we all do what we can to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
