$50,000 federal grant will be used to replace Bruce Trail staircases in Niagara-on-the-Lake park
Published August 9, 2023 at 2:56 pm
Nine wooden staircases from Queenston Heights Park to the Bruce Trail in Niagara-on-the-Lake are about to be ripped out and replaced with durable galvanized steel stairs.
Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey and St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle made the announcement this morning (Aug. 9) that the federal government was giving a $50,000 grant to Niagara Parks to replace the staircases.
The stairways all connect Queenston Heights Park to the Bruce Trail.
“This investment will enable the creation of a strategy to replace nine sets of stairs, including removing the old sets, designing new staircases and site remediation plans, and estimating costs. This planning work will be key to the successful replacement of the stairs,” said Infrastructure Canada in a release.
As well as the Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, Queenston Heights Park is a critical link to historic sites and other active transportation routes like the Niagara River Recreation Trail, Waterfront Trail, and Greater Niagara Circle Route.
“Queenston Heights Park is a great place to engage with nature, connect to the region’s history and reach other parts of the community. By supporting a strategy to replace staircases in the park, we are ensuring the continued safety and enjoyment of residents and tourists for years to come,” said Badawey at the press conference.
April Jeffs, Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission, emphasized the importance of the new steel stairs.
“Replacing the aging wooden staircases with brand-new galvanized steel stairs with the help of the Government of Canada’s Active Transportation Fund will enhance the experience of all guests to this important community park and key tourist and recreational destination,” she noted.
All of the wooden stairs from Queenston Heights Park to the Bruce Trail in Niagara-on-the-Lake will be replaced with galvanized steel stairs like this.