Proposed parking lot at popular hiking area in Wilmot Township has some locals up in arms

For decades, the Schneider Family has owned a 95-hectare slice of pristine greenspace on Wilmot line near Carmel-Koch road.

Over the years, the public has been able access the property and the trails that wind through the section of the Waterloo Moraine.

The family has recently decided to donate the land to the Charitable Research Reserve which will provide stewardship and maintain public access.

But, before that donation can be finalized, Wilmot Township wants to see a small parking lot installed.

Neighbours have pushed back against the proposal. They argue the current parking situation is working well and a parking lot would harm the lands natural beauty.

The Township has expressed concerns about safety. Currently, visitors park on the narrow shoulders of the road which is less than ideal.

“We have folks that fly down Wilmot line at 90 kilometres an hour, down a gravel road”, said Wilmot Township Ward 2 councillor, Kris Wilkinson.

“That presents safety issues when you’re coming over a blind hill and you don’t potentially see pedestrians crossing the road.”

The township is proposing something similar to other trailheads around the Region. A gravel or dirt area with enough space for a dozen cars or so.

Something Wilkinson said is reasonable.

There is a liability issue at play here as well and the Township would be responsible if someone was injured as a result of parking on the road.

Experts have recommended a parking area as the prefered solution.

Currently, Wilmot Township Council is weighing its options.