Resurface & Upgrade Paths to Improve Accessibility - Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area

Friends of Wye Marsh Inc. (FOWM) is proposing to undertake enhancements for paths at the Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area (WMNWA). The WMNWA is located in Midland, Ontario and is federal land managed by ECCC-CWS in partnership with FOWM. The paths are managed by FOWM and located on an existing, maintained path network within the NWA.

The project's purpose is to improve two loops within the existing path network to become fully accessible to visitors with disabilities and comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). To meet AODA compliance, activities proposed include resurfacing using a raised-tread method, assessment and repairs to a section of boardwalk, and two small reroutes to ensure the path is level, smooth, and meets the required sloping to become fully accessible. Excluding the two reroutes, the resurfaced and upgraded paths will be within the same footprint as the existing path network. The reroutes are expected to add approximately 41m of new path to the footprint but will be offset by the closure of existing paths. The total length of closed paths will exceed the length of paths added. Resurfacing of the existing paths and reroutes will be completed using skid steer, mini excavator, mini dumper, and other light machinery. Existing trails and roads will be used to transport machinery and materials safely on and off site.

The proposed work will occur starting after November 1, 2024, for completion by March 31, 2025, when disturbance to birds and other wildlife will be minimal. Minor vibration and noise disturbance may occur during this project due to resurfacing paths and moving and transporting construction materials. Work duration will be minimized to decrease overall disturbance and will be completed by a contractor who can comply with permits, obligations, and requirements of the area.

Where reroutes occur, the non-accessible path will be closed and restored to the native surrounding forest habitat. Exposed soil and excavated material will be re-graded, stabilized and/or re-seeded as needed using suitable native plants, soils, seed mix and seed application to benefit wildlife including species at risk. Appropriate waste disposal containers and methods will be used to reduce risk of spills and contamination. This work will require a Canada Wildlife Act permit to allow for proposed construction activities to occur including the operation of a conveyance and ground disturbance. The Contractor will be required to assess the site for species at risk and stop work if encountered. The Contractor will also be required to do regular inspections and maintenance of vehicles and machinery to ensure they are free of fluid leaks, invasive species, and wildlife.

More

Latest update

November 12, 2024 – The authority issued its Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Participate

Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
2 Notice of Determination - November 12, 2024
1 Resurface & Upgrade Paths to Improve Accessibility - Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area - October 1, 2024

Contacts

Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service
John Viengkone, Protected Areas Officer - Ontario
4905 Dufferin St.
Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4
Telephone: 416-884-5148
Email: john.viengkone@ec.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Wye Marsh National Wildlife Area (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Recreation and Tourism
    • Other, not otherwise specified

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2024-11-12

  • Proponent

    Friends of Wye Marsh

  • Authorities

    • Environment and Climate Change Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    88945

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
Report a problem on this page
Date modified: