One of the most exciting aspects of this project was the depth of listening that shaped it. Throughout the engagement process, staff actively heard residents' ideas, concerns, and aspirations. Multiple interest-group interviews were held to better understand priorities, identify key issues, and gather recommendations for the park and its trail network. Together, this multifaceted engagement approach created a strong foundation for developing the guiding principles for Confederation Park.

• Prioritize keeping the park natural.
• Enhance trail accessibility and add seating and signage.
• Invasive species management and careful lighting considerations.
• Improve access to the Grand River.

Overall, residents expressed a strong appreciation for Confederation Park's natural and tranquil character, along with a desire to see improvements that enhance safety, accessibility, and environmental health. Key feedback themes included preserving the park's natural setting, improving trail accessibility, managing invasive species, carefully considering lighting, and improving access to the Grand River.

The project team established three Guiding Principles (Shown in the graphic below) for park enhancements based on insight from community engagement.

On Monday, February 9 Council approved the Confederation Park Revitalization Plan, marking an important step toward preserving and enhancing one of the Township’s most valued community spaces. The plan outlines a phased approach that prioritizes ecological stewardship and safety improvements first, while allowing flexibility for future enhancements as community needs and funding evolve.

Phased Approach

Phase 1 – Land Stewardship (2026)
Phase 1 focuses on foundational improvements to support ecological health, safety, and accessibility, including:

• Ecological assessment and invasive species management plan.
• Removals of invasive species.
• Removal of the existing pavilion and the remnants of a former structure located in a wooded area on-site, which are in poor repair and could represent safety hazards.
• Sightline clearing through removal of invasive species and brush, with emphasis on the preservation of mature native trees.
• Replacement of a deteriorated boardwalk and creek crossing with an improved accessible structure.
• Adding educational and advisory signage, providing detail on the history of Confederation Park from the perspective of Indigenous Communities and more recent settlers.
• Enhancement of seating options.

Phase 2 – Equitable Access (2027–2030)

• Complete accessibility upgrades at the Queen Street and Scotland Street parking lots.
• Construct a new accessible ramp switchback to provide better park access from the Queen Street parking lot.
• Create defined trailheads through signage, mapping, and enhanced trail maintenance.
• Construct an end-to-end accessible pathway through trail surface improvements and trail maintenance enhancements, while still preserving the recreational nature of the trail.

Phase 3 – Amenities (2030+)

• Construct two new picnic pavilions near park entrances at Queen Street and Scotland Street.
• Add natural play/gathering features in the park.
• Construct a new lookout deck, overhanging the Grand River.
• Include a new non-motorized boat launch upstream of the dam location, with a portage path and signage directing river travelers safely around the dam.
• Enhanced educational and interpretive signage

The phased approach allows the Township to respond to changing community needs and funding opportunities over time, while ensuring early investments focus on stewardship, safety, and accessibility.