The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) is celebrating a $100,000 investment from the Government of Canada, delivered through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), to support critical improvements at Stoney Island Conservation Area.
Announced in October 2024, the funding is being used to enhance accessibility, safety, and amenities at the popular outdoor destination, creating a more inclusive and sustainable recreation experience for visitors.
The project is focused on strengthening Ontario’s tourism sector by improving visitor access and engagement with natural spaces. Stoney Island Conservation Area attracts hikers, bikers, skiers, and nature enthusiasts from across the region.
Key improvements include the replacement of five deteriorating bridges with new, safer structures; an expanded and regraded parking lot to increase capacity, improve stability, and facilitate snow removal; and the installation of a gender-neutral privy to reinforce SVCA’s commitment to inclusivity in outdoor spaces.
“These upgrades at Stoney Island Conservation Area are a major step forward in creating a safer, more accessible, and visitor-friendly conservation area,” said Erik Downing, SVCA’s General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer. “With this support from FedDev Ontario, we can continue to enhance our natural assets while providing meaningful conservation and tourism amenities that benefit both the environment and local communities.”
SVCA says the improvements will help extend the tourism season, attract new visitors, and support economic growth in rural areas, ensuring Stoney Island remains a premier outdoor destination for years to come.
