Welcome to our new website

We’ve redesigned niagararegion.ca to make it easier to find what you need. We’re still putting on the finishing touches, so over the next few weeks you may notice:

  • Search is still learning. Some results may be incomplete or out of date. Try browsing by topic from the main menu.
  • Some links may not work. Old bookmarks and links may lead to pages that have moved.
  • Pages are still being updated. We’re reviewing content across the site and improving it as we go.

Parks and naturalization sites

Niagara Region operates four naturalization sites — former landfills that have been rehabilitated into trails and green spaces for residents to enjoy. Each site offers opportunities for walking, nature appreciation and environmental education.

Find hours, features and directions for each site.

Pelham Centre Street

Port Colborne Elm Street

St. Catharines Glenridge Quarry

Wainfleet Station Road

Visitor guidelines

All visitors must observe and follow the guidelines and signage posted at each site.

You are required to

  • Use recycling and garbage receptacles
  • Keep pets on a leash no longer than two metres
  • Follow the guidelines for leash-free parks where applicable
  • Pick up pet waste and deposit in receptacles
  • Be considerate of other users

Not permitted at naturalization sites

  • Feeding or disturbing any animal or wildlife
  • Moving or damaging any building, equipment or structure
  • Lighting fires or barbecues
  • Camping or fishing
  • Swimming, bathing or wading in water
  • Consuming alcoholic beverages
  • Ice skating or tobogganing
  • Operating a motor vehicle outside the parking area
  • Operating any remote-controlled vehicle or toy
  • Engaging in organized sport or games
  • Littering
  • Smoking

At the St. Catharines Glenridge Quarry site, large running groups are not permitted and large or organized group activities must be approved in advance. Call 905-980-6000 ext. 3364 to arrange your gathering.

Leash-free dog parks

Leash-free dog parks are available at two locations: Centre Street in Pelham and Elm Street in Port Colborne. Use of the leash-free areas is at your own risk. Dog owners are subject to the provincial Dog Owners Liability Act and applicable municipal by-laws.

Usage guidelines

Failure to comply with these rules may result in closure of the leash-free areas.

  • Keep up-to-date rabies and licence tags
  • Leash your dog while entering and exiting — keep your dog on a leash no longer than two metres outside of the leash-free areas
  • Keep your dog within sight and under verbal control at all times
  • Provide adult supervision for children under 16 years of age
  • Do not bring glass containers, food or toys
  • Clean up after your pet
  • Prevent your dog from chasing wildlife
  • Do not bring puppies under four months old, female dogs in heat, sick dogs, aggressive dogs or dogs that require muzzling
  • Take all personal items from the park when you leave
  • Use the appropriate leash-free area based on dog size (small vs. large)

Niagara Region accepts no liability for use of the leash-free dog parks.

History of the Elm Street Naturalization Site

The Elm Street Naturalization Site in Port Colborne operated as a municipal landfill from the mid-1950s to 2008. From the 1990s to mid-2009, it was also the site of a composting operation. In 2009, the landfill and composting operations were terminated and the site was rehabilitated.

Developing the site

A restoration plan was developed to naturalize large portions of the site and plant native trees and shrubs to support natural regeneration. A planting strategy called nucleation was used — clusters of native trees and shrubs were planted to help regenerate a tree canopy and create a new woodland ecosystem.

The naturalized areas provide habitat for wildlife and offer visitors opportunities for environmental education and recreation.

Deciduous trees selected for the natural regeneration plantings include early successional species:

  • Basswood
  • Bitternut Hickory
  • Black Cherry
  • Burr Oak
  • Eastern Cottonwood
  • Red Oak
  • Trembling Aspen
  • Paper Birch
  • Red Maple
  • Sugar Maple
  • Shagbark Hickory

History of the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site

The Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site in St. Catharines operated as a municipal landfill from 1976 to 2001. In the 1990s, plans were made to transform the site into a naturalization area with a trail system once the landfill closed on Jan. 1, 2002.

Developing the site

The Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site was one of Ontario's first comprehensive green sites. The design focused on reducing energy consumption, reusing natural materials and recycling building materials.

Awards and recognition

The site has received a number of prestigious awards, including First Place and Gold Award at the International Awards for Liveable Communities. Additional recognition from:

  • American Planning Association
  • American Society of Landscape Architects
  • Ontario Public Works Association
  • Canadian Urban Institute