Significant upgrades are planned at three local conservation areas, thanks in part to just over $54,000 in senior government funding.
The federal government is providing the money through FedDev Ontario's Tourism Relief Fund.
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority Manager of Conservation Areas Greg Wilcox said 1,050 metres of trail will be upgraded at the Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area in Petrolia.
"It's going to be improving that trail from a natural surface to a stone dust surface," said Wilcox. "So, it's going to be more accessible and more functional when it's a little wet out. As well, almost 60 transient campsites at our three campgrounds have had gravel pads installed to back your trailer onto rather than the existing grass surface. In the spring time, and again in the fall, sometimes the campsites get wet and you can't back your trailer on very easily without getting stuck. We often have to cancel reservations or campers arrive and choose not to stay due to the conditions. This will allow for more functionality."
Those campsites are located at Lorne C. Henderson as well as the Warwick and A.W. Campbell conservation areas.
Wilcox said their conservation areas and trails have been especially busy during the pandemic, with more people looking to get out and explore.
He said that's led to increased wear and tear, with grass trails having been worn bare, making them slippery and treacherous.
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority owns and maintains 15 Conservation Areas that span a total of 620 hectares throughout the watershed.
In total, Ontario’s southwest region received nearly $11 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.