Kitchener to get $400K to improve Huron Natural Area

Kitchener will be getting $400,000 from the federal government for improvements to the Huron Natural Area in the city's south end.

The money is coming from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

Marwan Tabbara, the MP for Kitchener South-Hespeler, said the money will cover half of the budget for the project, which will see the trail system improved. As well, site grading and drainage will be improved and the city will install educational and way finding signs.

"There's so many great trails around here, whether it's around the Grand River in Kitchener or the Speed River in Hespeler," Tabbara said, who added he likes to take his inlaws' dog for a walk on trails in his riding.

The 107 hectare site is located off Trillium Drive and includes scenic hiking trails, boardwalks, the Strasburg Creek, a natural playscape and significant wetlands, forest and meadows.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said the area is a "destination" for those wanting to get out into nature and it's also a great spot for educational programming.

"We are excited to see the improvements and the 1.5 km expansion of the trail network that comes with this funding as it will make more of the Huron Natural Area accessible to students and the public in general," Vrbanovic said.

"One of the things that we commonly hear is a desire to see our trail and park network to be enhanced and improved upon."