Many Hands, One Trail: Credit Valley Trail Collaboration

Building the Credit Valley Trail, One Connection at a Time

The Credit Valley Trail (CVT) is taking shape. We’re getting closer to connecting a 100-kilometre pathway through the Credit River Valley, from the headwaters in Orangeville to Lake Ontario in Mississauga.

So far, 43 kilometres of trail have been secured, and we continue to work with municipalities, community groups, donors and volunteers to make the trail a reality. United by a shared vision, we’re building a trail that protects nature, strengthens connections and inspires exploration of the Credit River Valley.

Here’s an update on how collaboration with our growing network of partners is shaping the future of the Credit Valley Trail.

Connecting the Trail

In 2024, we installed new bridges and boardwalks at some of our conservation areas to link sections of the CVT together. This year, we’ve also added more wayfinding signage to help bring the trail to life. At Upper Credit Conservation Area, a 15.4-metre weathering-steel pedestrian bridge is underway and at Ken Whillans Conservation Area installed almost 200 metres of elevated boardwalks and bridges through wetland areas.

These initiatives link trail segments, improve accessibility and lessen impacts to protect sensitive habitats from trampling.

Honouring Place and Partnership

A key pillar of the Credit Valley Trail is to bring Indigenous culture and experiences to life along the trail through placemaking. At the northern trailhead of the CVT, the first Doodem (clan) site has been completed. The Crane Gathering Space at Island Lake Conservation Area was developed by the Credit Valley Trail Indigenous Roundtable in collaboration with CVC and CVT partners. This space is designed to strengthen connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and to support ceremonial practices as well as unique recreational experiences.

We’re proud to share that this project was recently featured in the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects’ Ground Magazine (Placekeeping edition). The articles highlight the creation of the Crane Gathering Space as well as early design work on the Giigoonh (fish) Doodem, which will be the second of the seven doodems (clans) planned for placekeeping spaces along the CVT.

The future Gigoonh (fish) doodem will be located at the future Charles Sauriol Conservation Area in Caledon. These spaces, created in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the CVT Indigenous Roundtable, celebrate stories, Indigenous teachings and the deep connection between people and place.

Collaboration in Action

Our efforts to link the remaining segments of the trail in collaboration with municipal, Indigenous, and community partners are ongoing. This past month, we co-hosted ‘Partners on the Path’ with the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation (CVCF) at The Riverwood Conservancy. The event brought together community leaders, municipal representatives and tourism partners to imagine the future of eco-tourism along the CVT.

How Far We’ve Come

Since the launch of trail building efforts in 2018, together, we’ve made incredible progress. Key accomplishments include:

• Raising $5 million to support trail development and land securement initiatives
• Creating 17 park connections by linking the CVT to existing parks and conservation areas for easier access to nature
• Brought 110 community, municipal and Indigenous partners together to help realize this shared vision

Together, we’re building more than a trail. We’re building a legacy of connection, linking communities, honouring nature and creating experiences that inspire people to explore, protect and cherish the Credit River Watershed.

Get Involved

In 2024, nearly 100 volunteers and 15 community groups contributed to trail maintenance and fundraising efforts. Learn how you can get involved:

• Support the trail through a donation
• Download a map to guide you as you explore the trail

Have you walked part of the Credit Valley Trail? Share your photos with us Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

By Natalie Faught, Senior Coordinator, Credit Valley Trail and Indigenous Engagement