Displaying items by tag: safety

OTTAWA, JAN. 11, 2020 – We know that outdoor spaces matter right now more than ever: your mental and physical health depend on them. That's why we are proud to keep our 11 conservation areas and 42 km of trails open for you during this time.

When visiting our sites, your safety and the safety of others is our top priority. Please remember:

• Stay 2 metres from people outside your household, or wear a mask if that’s not possible;
• Follow all directional signs on trails (many are now one-way loops to limit passing);
• No more than 25 people in gathering areas like parking lots, trailheads, viewing areas and toboggan hills;
• Mask required when congregating at parking lots, trailheads, viewing areas and toboggan hills;
• If the park looks busy, be prepared to come back another time;
• Stay on the trails and park only in designated areas;
• Keep dogs on leash at all times;
• Ice conditions are not monitored and may be unsafe;
• All conservation areas close at dusk.

Please note that parking fees apply in some parks. Annual passes are also available at paybyphone.com (code 5222).

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our community safe and healthy.

Happy trails!

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For more information:
Chelsey Ellis
Conservation Lands Planner

RIDEAU VALLEY, June 1, 2022 – No cell service? No problem! Visitors to RVCA’s conservation areas can now navigate even our most remote trails with confidence thanks to a new partnership with Avenza Maps. 

The Toronto-based mobile app offers GPS-enabled maps that can be used offline and without cell service to keep your bearings even in the deepest woods. 

“Safety is number one, and this is an innovative tool to help our visitors stay on track while exploring our beautiful properties,” said Conservation Lands Manager Chelsey Ellis. “We’re pleased to partner with such an ambitious and community-oriented organization.”

Tristan Lyttle, senior product manager with Avenza Systems Inc., agreed.

“We’re thrilled to see our local conservation authorities become early adopters of this technology,” Lyttle said. “Getting outside and exploring our surroundings has never been more important, and Avenza makes it even easier.” 

The app is supported by Android and iOS. Instructions on how to get started and use the mobile app can be found at https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/how-it-works.html. QR codes for the RVCA’s new Avenza maps have been installed at the trailheads of eight conservation areas, and can also be found on their property-specific webpages at www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas. Scanning these QR codes will download RVCA’s maps to your phone to take out onto the trail. Ifyou don't have Avenza Maps app, you will be guided through the installation process

To avoid installation issues, the RVCA encourages visitors to download the free app before leaving home. Traditional trailhead maps and printed brochures will continue to be available, as well as downloadable PDF maps on the RVCA website. 

The RVCA offers a total of 42 km of trails through forests, wetlands, meadows and more. From the Chapman Mills boardwalk in Barrhaven to the Spy Rock lookout at Foley Mountain, our 11 conservation areas offer something for everyone, all year round.

For more information visit www.rvca.ca/conservation-areas or contact Conservation Lands Manager Chelsey Ellis at .

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