The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Board of Directors has endorsed a new management plan for Eugenia Falls.
The plan for Eugenia Falls has been in the works for several years and was presented to the board last summer. At its meeting on Jan. 24, the board voted unanimously to endorse the plan.
Authority CAO Tim Lanthier said the development of the plan was a significant undertaking for authority staff, the steering committee and the public.
“A substantial amount of work went into this plan. It represents over two years worth of work,” he said. “It’s a 20-year vision for this property.”
This will be the first management plan for Eugenia Falls, which is a popular destination for visitors and local residents. Located in the heart of Grey Highlands, Eugenia Falls features spectacular views, walking trails, power plant ruins and the Eugenia cenotaph.
The plan was developed with extensive public consultation and will now go to the Niagara Escarpment Commission and the province for approval.
The plan contains a number of proposed action items to improve the Eugenia Falls property.
Some of them include:
- Trail improvements.
- Picnic pods.
- The removal of an old pavilion on the property, with the pavilion’s concrete pad being kept in place.
- The removal of privies that are no longer in use (the property uses porta-potties).
- Parking area upgrades.
- Trail accessibility improvements.
- A new trail.
- A bridge.
- Signage upgrades.
Lanthier also said the plan would continue to maintain the historical ruins on the property and will look to remove certain sections of a stone wall that separates the public viewing area from the actual falls. The sections would be replaced by wrought iron to improve the visual look and to aid with water drainage.
“This is a huge step forward for this property. It’s a really great thing for the organization,” he said.
