Bruce Trail Conservancy Message: Please Avoid the Bruce Trail

COVID-19
Written By

*Please see a media release issue by the Bruce Trail Conservancy.IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 9, 2020As we approach the long weekend, Bruce Trail Conservancy CEO Michael McDonald and City of Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward have an important message for all Burlington residents: For the safety of our communities and to assist the province, we are asking the public to temporarily stop using the Bruce Trail.The Bruce Trail Conservancy cannot physically close-off the Bruce Trail. We cannot bar access to all trail-heads nor enforce closures. We can and do, however, urge everyone to please stay off the Bruce Trail until further notice.

"It is 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. Our public health officials have sent us a clear message; stay home, and stay safe. As one of Canada’s leading Conservation charities, we have a role in helping to assist with efforts to keep everyone safe, so please avoid the Bruce Trail." -- Michael McDonald, Bruce Trail Conservancy CEO

Many parks, conservation areas, municipalities and other landowners along the Bruce Trail have closed their facilities and access to trails. In these areas where closures are indicated, people can and should consider the Bruce Trail actually closed. During these closures, we ask people do not park on nearby roads, move gates or barriers, or hop fences, as these actions are disrespectful and illegal.We all look forward to exploring the Bruce Trail again, once it is safe to do so. For now we encourage everyone to find ways to stay connected with loved ones and friends in different ways, by phone or video chat, as we all do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy.About the Bruce Trail ConservancyThe Bruce Trail Conservancy is a member-based, volunteer-driven top-rated charitable organization. For over 50 years, we have cared for the Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest public footpath, which runs 900 km from Niagara to Tobermory. We are committed to being a leader in fostering a healthy and natural environment. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with our community to acquire and preserve land to secure the Bruce Trail. The Bruce Trail Conservancy consists of nine Bruce Trail Clubs. Each Club manages a section of the Bruce Trail and is responsible for maintaining, stewarding and promoting that section.--MY TAKE:I want to thank our local residents who are following provincial directives, as well as the advice of our expert medical professionals, by staying home and staying away from areas in Burlington that are closed – like the Bruce Trail. However, it is still very concerning that we are seeing parking lots full and a number of people accessing our closed areas. This behaviour is not only unsafe and now illegal, but it demonstrates a dangerous disregard for other people’s health and well-being. As the warmer weather approaches, I know the allure to go outside and act like everything is normal will be strong, but please fight this urge. The more we stay at home and obey the directives of our governments and public health officials, the sooner we will be able to go back to enjoying our beautiful trails and parklands together.-- Mayor Marianne Meed Ward—PLEASE NOTE: To stay updated on what the City of Burlington is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit the dedicated pages burlington.ca/coronavirus (and subscribe) and bit.ly/mayormeedwardCOVID19updates, and our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page — bit.ly/COVID19BurlingtonFAQ that are updated as new information becomes available.A Burlington COVID-19 Task Force has been created to help support our community through this unprecedented emergency — updates will be provided at burlington.ca/COVID19taskforce.To report an incident of non-compliance with provincial emergency orders, please contact the Halton Regional Police Service COVID-19 Hotline: 905-825-4722.HELPFUL RESOURCES & RELATED LINKS:

—*Posted by John Bkila, Mayor’s Media and Digital Communications Specialist

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