Stoney Island

May 16th, 2025 - Update

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) is celebrating a $100,000 investment from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to support critical improvements at Stoney Island Conservation Area. Announced in October 2024, this investment is enhancing accessibility and amenities to create a more inclusive and sustainable outdoor recreation experience for visitors.

The project focuses on strengthening Ontario’s tourism sector by improving visitor access, safety, and engagement in natural spaces. Stoney Island Conservation Area is a key destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing, attracting visitors from across the region.

Project Highlights:

• Bridge Replacements – Three existing bridges in deteriorating condition will be removed and replaced with new, safer structures, ensuring secure passage for visitors.
• Trailhead Kiosk – The installation of a new kiosk will provide essential trail maps, safety information, and environmental education, improving visitor navigation and awareness.
• Parking Lot Expansion – The existing parking lot will be expanded and regraded with proper aggregate to enhance capacity, improve stability, and facilitate snow removal, addressing long-standing accessibility challenges.
• Inclusive Facilities – A gender-neutral privy will be installed to ensure that all visitors have access to appropriate facilities, reinforcing SVCA’s commitment to inclusivity in outdoor spaces.

“These upgrades at Stoney Island Conservation Area are a major step forward in creating a safer, more accessible, and visitor-friendly conservation area. With this support from FedDev Ontario, we can continue to enhance our natural assets while providing meaningful conservation and tourism amenities that benefit both the environment and local communities.”
- Erik Downing, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, SVCA

By improving key infrastructure and increasing capacity, SVCA aims to extend the tourism season, attract new visitors, and foster economic growth in rural areas. These enhancements are helping to ensure that Stoney Island Conservation Area remains a premier outdoor destination for years to come. 

For more information, please contact:
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
Email: media@svca.on.ca Cell: 519-369-4295 

Forest and trail remediation work is ongoing at Stoney Island CA. Visitors are encouraged to tread carefully, as the trails may still show signs of restoration work.

"Sharing our conservation lands with the public allows people of all ages to connect with nature. It’s a wonderful way to inspire the next generation to care for and protect the environment.”

– Donna Lacey, Manager of Forestry and Lands, SVCA

To ensure a positive experience for all, please practice good trail-sharing etiquette: yield to others as needed, stay aware of your surroundings, and stick to open trails to protect the natural environment.  

Per the Conservation Authorities Act, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times on all SVCA properties. This helps protect wildlife and ensures the safety and comfort of other trail users.  SVCA reminds visitors that off-road motor vehicles are strictly prohibited on all Conservation Authority owned lands. 

There are many bird watching opportunities from spring to fall at Stoney Island Conservation Area.  In winter, the trails are reserved for cross-country skiing and 5 km of snowshoe trails. There are several creeks running through this property and are traversed by hand-crafted bridges.

 The following links provide more information on Stoney Island Conservation Area.