The Town of Renfrew is proud to announce the official opening of the Bonnechere River Trail, a scenic wilderness trail made possible through financial support from the Ontario Conservation Accelerator Fund.
The trail, which opened to the public on Canada Day, celebrates the natural beauty and history of the Bonnechere River while enhancing local access to outdoor recreation and conservation. It is located at 390 Forestview Crescent in Renfrew.
The Ontario Conservation Accelerator Fund played a pivotal role in making the trail a reality by providing essential funding to support planning, infrastructure, and community engagement efforts. “The Ontario Conservation Accelerator is proud to support the Town of Renfrew in bringing the Bonnechere River Trail to life – a new, amazing urban Renfrew in bringing the Bonnechere River Trail to life – a new, amazing urban wilderness experience! This project exemplifies how great collaborations can help empower communities to created vibrant, sustainable spaces that connect people with nature,” says Mike Hendren, Executive Director of Ontario Conservation Accelerator and Chair of Ontario Urban Parks Working Group. “Access to nature is so important – to support mental health strengthen communities, and connect people to the land. We’re thrilled to see the trail open and look forward to the lasting impact it will have on local recreation, conservation, and community well-being.”
The new trail aligns with Renfrew’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Waterfront Plan, and Road to 2035 Strategic Plan, which emphasize healthy living, environmental responsibility, and community connectivity. The trail offers a moderate wilderness experience, is marked with colour coded trail markers, and winds along the Bonnechere River – a waterway central to Renfrew’s heritage and natural landscape.
At the grand opening event, Mayor Tom Sidney acknowledged the deep historical and ecological value of the river and the importance of the new trail: “The Bonnechere River has helped shape Renfrew’s story for generations. Today, thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Conservation
Accelerator Fund and the hard work of our community, we’re making that story more accessible for everyone,” said Mayor Sidney. “This is a major step forward in preserving and celebrating our natural assets.” The project was also supported by the leadership of Amanda Springer,
Manager of Environmental Services for the Town of Renfrew, and the dedication of numerous volunteers, including the Bonnechere Trail Working Group – Tauney Stinson, Hayley Heaslip, Terry Edwards, and Paddy Enright
The Bonnechere River Trail is now officially open, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich stories along its path, which can be accessed at 390 Forestview Crescent.
(Richard Evans)