Clappison-Grindstone Heritage Lands

(Excerpt from the Cootes to Escarpment Park System Conservation and Land Management Strategy (Phase II report)).

The Clappison-Grindstone Heritage Lands are centred on Clappison Escarpment Woods ESA and Grindstone Creek Escarpment Valley ESA north of Highway 403. These areas provide unusual forested talus slopes and deeply incised sheltered creek valley creating unique microclimates for a diversity of species. To protect these sensitive natural lands, trail use will primarily be for hiking. Main focal area for activity will be from King City Quarry, a Provincially Significant Earth Science ANSI. Additional existing natural lands and connections will complete the core Park System and be supported by a complementary system along tributaries to Grindstone Creek through the Central North Aldershot planning area. The inter-regional trail will follow the Grindstone Creek Valley linking the Bruce Trail and the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail.

NATURAL AREAS

The numbers of each of the natural areas below correspond to Map 7 from the Cootes to Escarpment Park System Conservation and Land Management Strategy (Phase II report).

12. King City Quarry

Owner: City of Hamilton
NEPOSS Classification: Natural Environment - in NE Plan Area

MAIN FEATURES: King City Quarry Provincial Earth Science ANSI, Bruce Trail. Stormwater Management. Part of Greenbelt, urban area.

POSSIBLE FUTURE DIRECTION: Moderate activity area providing main access to Park System. Transit supported, parking.

Since this area is not developed, a pavilion providing public restroom facilities, Cootes to Escarpment Park System information and map, and new parking area are suggested for consideration in management planning. Geology and stormwater control are possible interpretive areas.

13. Clappison Woods

Owners: Conservation Halton, City of Hamilton
NEPOSS Classification: Natural Environment - partially NE Plan Area

MAIN FEATURES: Clappison Escarpment Woods ESA, Regional Life Science ANSI, species at risk habitat, Escarpment face. Bruce Trail and property trails. This area has historically been used by the community for hiking and unauthorized mountain biking. Part of Greenbelt, adjacent to urban area.

POSSIBLE FUTURE DIRECTION: Moderate activity area with local access.

Habitat restoration required. Trail system review required. Future mountain bike use will be reviewed with management planning.

14. Little Property

Owners: Ontario Heritage Trust -Conservation Halton management agreement
NEPOSS Classification: Natural Environment - NE Plan Area - NEPOSS

MAIN FEATURES: Clappison Escarpment Woods ESA, Bruce Trail. Part of Greenbelt, rural.

POSSIBLE FUTURE DIRECTION: Low activity area.

15. Grindstone and School Sisters of Notre Dame

Owner: Conservation Halton
NEPOSS Classification: Natural Environment - partially NE Plan Area - partially NEPOSS

MAIN FEATURES: Grindstone Creek Valley, Grindstone Creek Escarpment Valley ESA, Provincially Significant Life Science ANSI, steep slopes, species at risk habitat. Bruce Trail and property trails. This area has historically been used by the community for hiking and unauthorized mountain biking. Part of Greenbelt, adjacent to urban area.

POSSIBLE FUTURE DIRECTION: Low activity area with local access.

Trail system review required and new connection to proposed urban development. New access points to be determined with management planning. Inter-regional trail to be developed and will require the support of private property owners. Future mountain bike use will be reviewed with management planning.

16. Smokey Hollow

Owner: City of Hamilton
NEPOSS Classification: Natural Environment - NE Plan Area - NEPOSS

MAIN FEATURES: Grindstone Creek waterfalls and valley, Provincial Earth Science ANSI, Grindstone Creek Escarpment Valley ESA, Provincial Life Science ANSI, steep slopes. Bruce Trail. Part of Greenbelt, adjacent to urban area.

POSSIBLE FUTURE DIRECTION: Moderate activity area with secondary level access. Parking.

Historical and geological interpretation and waterfall viewing opportunities.

17. Ontario Realty Corporation Property