On a sweltering Monday afternoon, the Elora Quarry between the towns of Elora and Fergus looked jam packed. The water-filled quarry along the Grand River is a favourite local swimming hole in the hot season, and part of the Grand River Conversation Authority’s many recreational parks.
But the GRCA announced on Monday a move to scale back the number of people it lets through the turnstiles at the quarry, citing both a desire to enhance the experience of guests by limiting crowding and ensuring their safety, and a need to protect the natural environment.
Beginning now, only 1,300 people per day will be allowed in. During hot days last year, the park often had over 2,000 visitors, according to Cam Linwood, GRCA spokesperson. Recent overcrowding has put pressure on the park.
In an email exchange Linwood outlined a number of environmental impacts to the site from too many visitors, including erosion, soil compaction and damage to property. Removal or damage to natural growth, particularly the making of trails through sensitive areas of the park, is a noticeable problem. Negative impacts on water quality, and significant amounts of litter are also issues of concern.
“Attendance increased significantly between our 2015 and 2016 operating seasons,” Linwood said in an email. The growth in attendance spurred GRCA officials to take a closer look at the impact those higher numbers were having on the environment and visitor experience, he said.
“By limiting the number of visitors within the park, guests will have more space to enjoy the natural area and as a result, reduce the environmental impact due to this reduced density,” he said. “Fewer people within the park will also improve public safety, making access and egress of emergency services easier in the event of an emergency.”
When the 1,300 visitor limit is reached, people will be encouraged to visit nearby GRCA amenities like the Elora Gorge or Belwood Park. Guelph Lake is about 20 minutes away.
"The Elora Quarry is an important natural feature in the Grand River watershed," says Dave Bennett, GRCA operations director in a press release. "We are changing the way we manage the park so that we can continue to provide the public with the opportunity to safely enjoy this beautiful outdoor space, while ensuring that we continue to care for the park's natural environment."
Elora Quarry is open daily from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. on weekdays until Labour Day.
