Rockwood Conservation Area - Grand River Conservation Authority

Welcome to one of the most unique areas in 

southern Ontario. 

Experience the natural wonders of Rockwood 

which were created more than 15,000 years ago by 

receding glaciers that once covered this entire area. 

Enjoy a beautiful hike on our scenic trails along the 

Eramosa River or glide silently in a canoe as you 

pass towering limestone cliffs. Take a walk along the 

Pothole Trail and marvel at the many ancient potholes 

that still mark the surface of the park. Some of 

these potholes are over 200 feet deep! 

Rockwood Conservation Area is one of 12 parks 

within the Grand River watershed. The Grand River 

Conservation Authority acquired the 79 hectare property 

in 1958 and the park opened to the pubic in 1961. 

The park has been constantly improved since then, 

including a significant number of upgrades in the 

past few years. 

Our park is now connected to the municipal drinking 

water system to provide safe, clean drinking 

water to our guests. We have retired some of our unserviced 

sites to create more natural space and to 

ensure future sustainability. To cater to some of our 

visitors from further afield, we have 16 full-serviced 

sites designed to accommodate larger trailers that 

require sewer services. 

We have also made efforts to enhance your visit 

here. Ramps have been installed to ensure that those 

with special needs can better access our beautiful 

beach. In addition to this, new shower and washroom 

facilities have also been built to better serve our 

overnight guests. 

If this is your first visit, you may get a sense 

you’ve been here before. Don’t worry, you’re not 

alone! Rockwood Conservation Area has been featured 

in many movies, TV shows, and magazine layouts 

including Cheaper by the Dozen 2, Men with 

Brooms and The Border as well as commercials for 

Sunlife Financial and Canadian Tire! 

Please remember that the park is a sensitive natural 

area. Help us to keep it beautiful by following these 

simple rules: 

• Stay on the trails 

• Do not harm trees by chopping, carving the bark or 

breaking branches for marshmallow sticks 

• Place tents on tent pads where provided 

• Respect your neighbors 

• Do not litter 

Please exercise safety while using the trails and 

viewing the scenery from the lookouts. 

This park newspaper has a lot of useful and important 

information in it. Please take the time to read it 

and learn about park guidelines, events, and ways to 

protect the environment. 

We want to make your stay an enjoyable one. 

If you have, any concerns or questions please feel 

free to ask a staff member in the park or at the gatehouse. 

Enjoy! 

Brad Dixon, Superintendent 

Rockwood Conservation Area 

Address and contact information: 

P.O. Box 60, 161 Fall St. 

Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0 

(519) 856-9543 Fax: (519) 856-9516 

Reserve a campsite by calling 

1-866-ONT-CAMP or online 

anytime at www.grandriver.ca 

Emergency numbers: 

O.P.P. 1-888-310-1122 

(Non-emergency) 

Fire 911 

Ambulance 911 

Guelph General 519-822-5350 

Hospital 

115 Delhi St., Guelph 

For non-emergency concerns or disturbances 

please contact a member of our staff.

2 | Rockwood Conservation Area | Summer 2009 

Conservation Area guidelines 

Admission 

Over 14 years of age $4.25 

Child (ages 6-14) $2.50 

5 years of age & under FREE 

Buses (20 or more people) per person discount $0.25 

Seasonal Walk-In Pass 


Child (ages 6-14) $35.00 

Vehicle Season’s Pass 

1st Vehicle $95.00 

2nd Vehicle $65.00 

Camping 

To make everyone’s stay more 

enjoyable, here are some simple 

rules for conservation area users to 

follow. The complete text of regulations 

is set out in the provincial 

“Conservation Area Regulations 

(R.R.O.106/90)” as posted at the 

main gatehouse entrance. 

Alcohol 

No alcohol on the beach or in 

the day use areas. "TOTAL 

ALCOHOL BAN IN AREA" — 

VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND & 

LABOUR DAY WEEKEND 

Property 

Conservation Area facilities are 

there for your use, safety and 

enjoyment. Do not damage or 

remove any Conservation Area 

property. 

Driving 

Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act 

applies within the park and you 

must follow all rules of the road. 

The speed limit is 25 km/h, and 

helmets must be worn by motorcyclists. 

Noise 

Reservations 

Keep noise down so that you 

don’t disturb your neighbours. 

Use of detachable, external 

speakers is prohibited. 

Conduct 

No abuse is permitted of 

Conservation Authority employees 

or other patrons. 

Hunting 

No hunting is permitted. 

Enforcement 

Anyone undertaking an unlawful 

or prohibited activity may be 

charged, which could result in a 

fine under R.S.O 1990, Chapter 

T.21 of the Conservation 

Authorities Act of Ontario. 

Reservation Fee (non-refundable) $10.00 

Rate per unit per day with one vehicle 

(maximum 6 people plus admission fee) 

Unserviced Site $31.00 

Serviced Site $38.00 

Full Serviced Site $41.50 

Additional Vehicle fee (overnight) $10.00 

Pavilion Rentals 

Mill Ruin $600.00 

Pavilion Rental $150.00 

Miscellaneous 

Don’t Get Caught Without a Campsite— 

Make a Reservation! 

Toll Free Reservations: 

1-866-668-2267 

Or on the internet at www.grandriver.ca 

For group site reservations or Pavilion reservations contact the park. 

A credit card is needed for reservations at the call center or on the internet. 

"TOTAL ALCOHOL BAN IN AREA" — VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND & LABOUR DAY WEEKEND 

A RESERVATION DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY IMPLY AN OPTION TO EXTEND YOUR STAY 


Dump Station fee (non user) $10.00 

Firewood 

$7.00/bag 

Canoe/Paddle Boat rental 

$12.00/hour 

Showers (quarters only) $0.25 

Hours of Operation 

Concession: 

Weekends 

10am - 8pm 

Weekdays 

10am - dusk 

Please take them to your local hazardous waste disposal 

Because of the Hazardous Nature of these cylinders they should not be reaching the landfill 

site. The parks pay thousands of dollars to have them disposed of properly, and this 

money could be spent more productively in the park. Please take them to the hazardous 

waste disposal site near your home. Make the right choice for the environment; please do 

not use disposable propane cylinders at all. 

Boat Rentals 

Gatehouse/Firewood 

Mini-Golf 

10am - dusk 

8am - 9pm 

8am - dusk 

(Times subject to change) 

Whistle Stop 

Variety n’ Grill 

“The Best Coffee 

in Town” 

Voted by people of Rockwood 

All day Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

154 Main St. N., Rockwood 

519-856-4801 

Licensed Establishment 

Everyday Special 

• Fish & Chips • Wraps • Hot Hamburger 

• Philly Cheese Steak • Sausage on a Bun 

• Chicken Fingers • Chicken Wings 

Alma St. 

Whistle Stop 

Main St. 

Harris St. 

Monday-Friday, 5:00 am - 10:00 pm 

Saturday, 6:00 am - 10:00 pm 

Sunday, 7:00 am - 10:00 pm 

Guelph 

7 

Fall St. 

Rockwood 

Conservation 

Area 

7 

Acton

Summer 2009 | Rockwood Conservation Area | 3 

The Rockwood Conservation Area 

Enjoy Rockwood’s scenic beauty and excellent recreational facilities 

Area background 

Rockwood Conservation Area is 

one of many conservation areas 

within the Grand River watershed 

that is operated by the Grand 

River Conservation Authority. The 


consists of 79 hectacres of natural 

and recreation land, located 11 km 

east of Guelph, spanning the 

Eramosa River. Today, the conservation 

area is one of the areas 

busiest recreation sites due to the 

establishment of a large camping 

area including 45 serviced sites, 

44 un-serviced sites, 16 full service 

sites, and 4 group camping 

areas. The conservation area also 

offers visitors hiking throughout 

the park's natural areas, swimming 

at a developed beach, canoeing, 

picnicking, and an 18-hole miniature 

golf course. 

Services and facilities 

• Mini-golf is located near the 

front gate and provides 

an excellent 

challenge and amusement 

for everyone. 

• Food Concession can be found 

in the middle of the 

park above the beach 

area or just follow 

your nose! Cold 

drinks, hotdogs, and many more 

tasty treats are available. 

• Washrooms are found in 3 locations 

in the park; one 

at the concession and 

pavilion above the 

beach, at the entrance 

to the serviced area and in the 

lower campground. 

• Outhouses or privies are scattered 

throughout the park. 

• Pay showers are 

located in the serviced 

area washroom 

and unserviced area 

washroom for $0.25. 

• Garbage can be 

dropped into the 

garbage bins at the 

unserviced and serviced 

washrooms. Complimentary 

garbage bags are provided at the 

gate. 

• Firewood can be 

purchased at the gate 

before 9:00p.m. for 

$7.00/bag. 

• Payphones are located 

at the Front Gate. 

Things to do 

Camping on one of the many 

serviced or unserviced 

sites or a large group 

site. Fees for camping 

are in the front of the 

tabloid or could be 

obtained at the gate. 

Canoeing (rentals available) is 

one of the most popular 

activities at the park 

and it doesn't matter if 

you brought your own 

canoe or if you need to rent one. 

Canoeing the Eramosa river in the 

park can be easily done by even 

the most novice canoeist. 

Start your journey at the beach 

and canoe upstream through small 

back bays and up to the waterfall 

created from the upper mill pond 

and its dam. 

Lifevests, pfds and paddles are 

all provided. Please obey the rules 

posted at the beachhouse and 

enjoy. 

Hiking along the river's edge or 

up along the mixed 

forest, the two main 

trails provide plenty of 

scenery and opportunity 

for everyone to enjoy the great 

outdoors and beauty of the park. 

The trails can be accessed from 

the beach, the parking lot near the 

playground, or the mill ruins. 

Please stay on the trail and obey 

all Conservation Authorities 

Regulations. 

Picnicking in the park is also 

one of the more popular 

activities and picnic 

tables are scattered 

through out the park 

for your use. Open 

fires are prohibited and please put 

garbage in the provided receptacles. 

The pavilion is available to rent 

may it be reunions or 

large picnics just ask 

at the gate for more 

info. 

Swimming is very popular at 

Rockwood. Bring your 

pails and shovels and 

enjoy its large sandy 

beach where children 

and adults can bask in the sun. 

The roped off area provides excellent 

safe swimming for the whole 

family. 

Please obey all posted signs and 

remember that there are no beach 

patrol so parents and guardians 

are responsible. 

Please camp on the pad 

provided or on the gravel spur, 

not on the bark chips themselves. 

ALL YOUR 

PARTY RENTAL NEEDS 

UNDER ONE ROOF 

74 DAWSON RD., GUELPH 

www.royalrentals.com 

519-823-1881 1-888-823-1881

4 | Rockwood Conservation Area | Summer 2009


Notice to patrons & neighbours 

Bird Nuisance in Conservation Areas 

We would like to advise you of 

a bird nuisance problem we have 

at Rockwood Conservation Areas 

and how we are controlling it. 

In an effort to discourage gulls 

and geese from using our swimming 

areas, we have obtained a 

"Scare Permit" from the 

Canadian Wildlife Service. This 

permit allows us to discharge a 

blank from a firearm or similar 

noise maker, around the beach 

area to scare the birds away 

before a problem is created. 

Is your campfire safe? 

Of course camping would not be 

complete without a campfire. But 

whether you’re building one for 

cooking, warmth, or just for that 

campfire atmosphere, there are a 

few things you should do first. 

• If there is a fire pit use it 

• Never break branches off trees 

for kindling or marshmallow 

sticks. 

• Never get too close to the fire or 

open flames. 

• No Running in this area! Ever. 

Even when there is no fire. 

• Never throw combustible or 

flammable materials such as bottles, 

gasoline, or lighters into a 

fire. 

The Canadian Wildlife Service 

has stipulated that we inform residents 

in the area of this activity. 

The firing of blanks and use of 

noise makers are used to discourage 

gulls and geese from the lake 

and the swimming area. Other 

methods used to improve water 

quality include: 

• removal of food wastes; 

• harrowing and raking of the 

beach; 

• increased water circulation; 

• Avoid drinking alcohol or being 

under the influence around 

campfires because these substances 

affect your balance, 

vision, and judgment. 

• removal of aquatic weeds; 

• monitoring storm water runoff 

in the reservoir; 

• weekly monitoring of the water 

quality; 

Rockwood is a very attractive 

area and we encourage you to 

make use of our facilities. 

Should you have any inquiries 

about the conservation areas or 

our bird control program, do not 

hesitate to contact Rockwood 

Superintendent Brad Dixon. 

• Practice the “stop – drop – and 

roll” drill in case you or someone 

you know catches fire. 

• Never leave a campfire unattended. 

• Always have materials such as 

water or sand available to control 

the fire. 

• Make sure your fire is never 

more then one metre wide by 

one metre high. 

• Totally extinguish the fire before 

you go to sleep or when you 

leave the site. 

• Under the Conservation 

Authorities Act $50.00 Fine for 

Unlawfully Maintain Fire! 

Protect yourself from 

West Nile virus 

West Nile virus is established in 

Ontario and is transmitted to 

humans by infected mosquitoes. 

Mosquitoes get the virus from 

birds. There is no way to predict 

how serious West Nile virus will 

be in any given year, so it’s 

important to take steps to protect 

you and your family from mosquito 

bites. 

Fight the bite! 

Consider using an insect repellent 

containing DEET. A light 

coating will do on exposed skin 

and on top of clothing. Do not use 

it under clothing. The concentration 

of DEET should be no greater 

than 30% for adults, no greater 

than 10% for children, and should 

not be used on children under six 

months old. 

You can also minimize the time 

you spend outside during the 

evening, night and dawn hours. If 

you are outside, wear lightcoloured 

dense material clothing, 

long pants, long-sleeved shirts, 

shoes and socks. Around your 

Poison-Ivy is extremely variable 

in both its habit and growth and 

kinds of habitat. It grows in deep 

woods or in the open; in dry 

sandy areas, crevices of rocks, or 

swamps; along the borders of 

woods, fencecrows, or roadsides. 

You are not safe even in your own 

garden, and you may be surprised 

to find it growing in your flower 

beds or shrubbery. Usually it is 

found in low-growing, rather 

dense colonies, sometimes practically 

carpeting the ground. There 

is also a vine-like form in the 

counties surrounding Lake Erie. 

home, don’t forget to clean up 

mosquito-friendly breeding areas 

such old tires, birdbaths and plastic 

wading pools! 

West Nile and the 

GRCA 

Signs are posted throughout our 

conservation areas reminding customers 

to protect themselves 

against mosquito bites. GRCA 

park and field staff monitor for 

dead birds and report them to 

local health units as required. 

For more information, please 

contact your local health unit. 

Caution: Poison Ivy 

Description 

Poison-ivy is a woody perennial. 

It may grow as dwarf, shrubby 

plants only a few centimetres high 

and carpeting the ground, or as 

upright plants 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) 

high, or the vine-like form may 

twine around trees, shrubs, or 

posts and reach a considerable 

distance above the ground. These 

vines often develop root-like 

structures which act as attachments, 

but they apparently do not 

damage the living plants to which 

they cling. 

www.rockwoodpharmacy.ca 

First-aid Goods, 

Games, Gifts & More! 

10% 

178 Alma Street 

Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0 

Tel: (519) 856-9486 

Fax: (519) 856-2595 

off for 

all purchases. 

With coupon. Not valid with other offers. Expires Oct. 18/09 

Monday to Friday 

9 am - 7 pm 

Saturday 

9 am - 6 pm 

Your Hometown Advantage 

STORE HOURS 

Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm 

Saturday: 8am - 6pm 

Sunday: 10am - 5pm 

• Friendly Service • Quality Meat 

• Fresh Produce • Deli/Grocery 

• Bakery 

STORE HOURS 

Monday - Wednesday 

9am - 7pm 

Thursday - Friday 

9am - 8pm 

Saturday 

9am - 6pm 

Sunday 

11am - 5pm 

209 Alma Street, Rockwood, Ontario


Book your wedding, family reunion or company picnic today! 

Pavilion 

Overlooking the beach area, it offers swimming, boats rentals and hiking trails in close proximity. This site is 

sheltered and provides washrooms, hydro and water. Site fee is $160. Inquiries or reservations at park gatehouse 

or Call 519-856-9543. 

Mill Ruins 

Whether you are looking for a site to have a ceremony or reception, 

enjoy your wedding in a natural picturesque location set in a beautiful 

historic structure. Total cost of $600 includes site fee and Park 

admissions for guests. Guidelines for use available by contacting the 

park office. 

Trying to keep your 

busy this summer? 

Have them spend the summer with us! 

GRCA Nature Centres offer 

children a place to explore 

nature in a safe, fun and 

educational environment. 

Scout/Guide 

badge programs 

Environmental 

day camps 

all summer long! 

Environmental 

birthday parties 

Guelph Lake Nature Centre 

7677 Conservation Road 

Guelph 

(519) 836-7860 

Visit www.grandriver.ca for more details and public event listings! 

Visit us online! 

The Village Sweet Shop 

“Old time treats - New Found Friends” 

*Specializing in Handmade Fudge* 

FREE Samples of Fudge - More than 15 flavours in stock! 

Retro Candy - The Pop Shoppe Pop 

Penny Candy - Handmade Chocolates & Truffles 

Leah Youngblut Leah_Youngblut@yahoo.ca 

120 Main St. S., Rockwood (519) 856-8268 

All Day 

Breakfast 

WAFFLE 

CONES 

Big 

Breakfast 

Daily Lunch 

Special 

Trailer Rentals 

Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Chicken Fingers, Fries, Wraps, Soups, 

Salads, Muffins, Pies. 

261 ALMA ST. 

OPEN DAILY 

Mon- Fri - 6:00 am 

Sat - 7:00 am 

Sun - 8:00 am 

ROCKWOOD, ON 

(519) 856-2057


Gilbert MacIntyre & 

Son Funeral Home & 

Chapel Memorial 

Trail & Family 

Memorial Area 

A Lasting Memorial That Helps 

Our Environment 

In May of 1999, the Gilbert 

MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home 

and Chapel, together with The 

Grand River Foundation, formally 

launched our Family Memorial 

Area and Memorial Trail program 

within the Rockwood 

Conservation Area. 

Through a long term agreement 

with The Grand River Foundation, 

the Gilbert MacIntyre Funeral 

Home and Chapel will directly 

contribute $50 on behalf of every 

funeral conducted. Each contribution 

is a Memorial Footstep along 

the pathway to creation of the 

Rockwood Memorial Trail. 

Family Memorial Area 

From the parking lot located on 

the historic Harris Woolen Mill 

ruins, visitors cross the rustic 

bridge over the Eramosa River, 

and pass the tumbling waters of 

the upper mill dam. 

Additional Participation 

Opportunities 

A contribution to the Rockwood 

Memorial Trail program is made 

automatically on your behalf by 

the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son 

Funeral Home & Chapel, for each 

funeral held at either our Guelph 

or Rockwood facilities. 

Families, individuals and groups 

may also wish to make additional 

contributions, as unique tributes 

and lasting memorials to departed 

friends and loved ones. 

Personal participants need not 

be families of Gilbert MacIntyre 

and Son Funeral Home and 

Chapel. All donations are 

acknowledged through our 

Rockwood Memorial Trail program, 

and are eligible for a charitable 

donation receipt for income 

tax purposes. 

For further information on the 

Gilbert MacIntyre and Son 

Funeral Home and Chapel Family 

Memorial Area and Rockwood 

Memorial Trail program, or to 

make a tax deductible donation, 

contact: 

Gilbert MacIntyre and Son 

Funeral Home and Chapel: 

Guelph Chapel 

252 Dublin St. 

Phone (519) 822-4731 

Rockwood Chapel 

117 Guelph St., 

Phone (519) 856-1100 

The Grand River Conservation 

Foundation: 

Box 729, Cambridge N1R 5W6 

Phone (519) 621-2769 x240 

What you can do to reduce your 

environmental footprint during 

your visit with us! 


Authority (GRCA) is committed 

to sustaining the natural environment 

in all parts of its day-to-day 

business. You can help! During 

your visit with us, there are ways 

you can help reduce your environmental 

footprint: 

Recycle – Please use the recycling 

facilities found in this conservation 

area. 

Conserve – Potable water is 

provided for your use. Please conserve 

this resource and avoid letting 

the taps run needlessly during 

washing or other chores. 

Don’t burn rubbish – Burning 

household garbage releases toxins 

into the atmosphere. Burn only 

dry, seasoned firewood. 

Preserve our vegetation – To 

prevent damage to the natural 

ecosystem, refrain from picking 


Authority (GRCA) runs 12 fantastic 

conservation areas, providing 

camping, swimming, picnicking, 

fishing and boating fun for more 

than 1 million visitors every year. 

The GRCA does more than run 

parks however. It operates major 

reservoirs for flood control, has 

programs to monitor the river and 

reduce river pollution, plants thousands 

of trees each year, undertakes 

fisheries improvement, and 

protects environmentally important 

land. 

the many wildflowers found in 

this conservation area, collecting 

firewood from adjacent forests, 

breaking tree branches or driving 

spikes into tree trunks. 

Save energy – If you have a 

campsite with hydro service, run 

appliances such as refrigerators, 

heaters or air conditioners only 

when necessary. 

Avoid using disposable compressed 

propane cylinders – 

Used for lanterns and stoves, these 

cylinders are not recyclable and 

actually cost the conservation area 

money to dispose of. 

Stay in authorized areas – 

Some of the wilderness land surrounding 

this conservation area is 

environmentally sensitive. Remain 

on authorized trails, roadways, 

and pathways. 

All of this work costs money, 

totalling $31.4 Million in 2009. 

Some of this comes from municipal 

taxes - $9.06 for each person 

in the Grand River watershed - 

which at about the cost of a hamburger 

and fries is quite a bargain 

when you think about it. 

As to the conservation areas, 

like the one you’re visiting today - 

there are NO TAX DOLLARS 

that go to help run the parks. 

Their entire operation and facility 

improvements are funded by the 

admission and camping revenue 

Appreciate wildlife – There are 

many mammals, reptiles and 

amphibians that call this conservation 

area home. Enjoy watching 

them but don’t handle or chase 

them. 

The GRCA’s Environmental 

Management System is registered 

under the ISO 14001 Standard for 

Environmental Management. 

No tax dollars are used to help 

run the conservation areas 

from park patrons like you. 

So thank you for visiting and 

staying with us at our Grand River 

Conservation Areas. Your patronage 

is what helps to keep Grand 

River parks open for outdoor summer 

and winter fun. 

Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership 

Thank You 

Gilbert MacIntyre & Son 

Funeral Home and Chapel 

for their longtime commitment to Rockwood Conservation Area 

You Can Make a Difference at Rockwood! 

If you enjoy visiting Rockwood Conservation Area, you can donate to make our park 

an even better place. Donations can be made by VISA, Mastercard, cheque or in 

cash at the park, and all contributions over $10 will receive a charitable receipt from 

the Grand River Conservation Foundation, which is the GRCA’s charitable arm. 

The GRCF’s charitable registration number is 11894 6045 RR0001. For more information, please visit: 

www.grcf.ca


The History of Rockwood 

Please help us in 

protecting this area 

for the future 

Hi-Pot-Lob Park gatehouse. The foundation can still be seen today. 

John Richard Harris, son of pioneer 

John Harris, established the 

Rockwood Woolen Mills under 

Harris and Co. in 1867. Powered 

by the Eramosa River through a 

Mill Race and turbine, it produced 

blankets, flannels, sheeting and 

more. Two Ponds were created 

with the construction of two small 

dams. A small wooden dam was 

A view of the serviced campground. 

built close to the Mill in order to 

sustain water to power the turbine 

thus creating a 2.2 acre Mill pond. 

Another Dam was built of concrete 

in the early 1900's to control 

the existing 25 acre lower pond. 

Workers Homes were built on the 

top pond along Valley road. The 

foundation of these buildings can 

be seen today. The original Mill 

was a wooden structure, but it 

burned and was replaced with a 

stone structure in 1884. 

Harris and Co. continued into 

the 20th century prospering 

between 1915-1918, employing 

70-80 and shipping large orders of 

blankets to the Canadian Army. 

The depression and rigid competition 

from Toronto's and 

Hespeler's Mills pressured the 

company to close it doors officially 

in 1933. After the closure of the 

company, the family developed 

land around the Mill as the Hi- 

Pot-Lob Park, building a gatehouse 

at the entrance of which is 

now the head of the Cedar Ridge 

trail. The public was able to view 

the geological wonders that the 

area gained reputation for, offering 

scenic trails displaying the 

many potholes, limestone cliffs 

and pinnacles found throughout 

the mixed woodland.. 

In 1958, Grand Valley 

Conservation Authority acquired 

the Mill along with 79 hectares 

from the founder's grandson, 

Edgar Harris. The machinery from 

the Mill was removed and it sat 

empty until a fire took place in 

1967. Demolition then began 

The Harris wool mill as it was in 1890. 

through the years when in 1976, 

the Grand River Conservation 

Authority started restoration to 

preserve the Mill Ruins to the 

condition it stands today. Now 

The Mill Ruins is a popular spot 

for hikers, picnickers and large 

events such as weddings. 

After the purchase of the land, 

the development of the land began 

to form Rockwood Conservation 

Area. The Upper Dam was rebuilt 

in 1960. In 1962 a workshop was 

constructed and the official opening 

of the park followed in 1963 

with the layout of the road system, 

parking lots and the construction 

of the gatehouse, and pavilion. 

In the late 60's the beach area, 

picnic areas and campsites were 

developed. The GRCA and the 

Ministry of Natural Resources 

stocked the lower pond annually 

with Rainbow Trout, a "put-andtake" 

effort to promote fishing. 

The popularity of the park grew 

attracting more and more visitors 

looking to hike, swim, fish, boat, 

picnic and camp. Day-use visitors 

have risen from 5,000 in 1963 to 

65,000 in 1975, attracting mainly 

from Hamilton, Toronto and 

Guelph. Today over 75,000 visitors 

enjoy the park annually. 

Information found in the "The 


Master Plan, 1978." 

The Rockwood Conservation 

Area has implemented a naturalization 

program in the Cedar 

Valley area as an effort to help 

reverse the deterioration caused 

from past use. 

One example that has been initiated 

includes the set up of tent 

pads on various sites. The weight 

of campers directly on the ground 

creates soil compaction, causing 

very little moisture to absorb the 

soil. This water is extremely 

important for growth, especially 

new undergrowth. By setting aside 

a specific area, this effect is limited 

to one small area. To also help 

slow this process of soil compaction 

resulting in the lack of 

moisture in the ground, woodchips 

have been laid down on 

many sites. Please do not set up 

your tent on these wood chipped 

areas. 

Regeneration areas have been 

established throughout the Cedar 

Valley camping area. This 

includes the removal of a preexisting 

camp site and in its place 

young trees have been planted. 

We ask that you please stay out of 

these very sensitive areas to allow 

the new growth to be undisturbed 

and grow healthy. Another effort 

includes the temporarily resting of 

a campsite. By closing a site temporary 

for a year, it gives the site 

a break from camper impact. 

Large stones have been placed 

around campsites to protect areas 

from the impact of vehicles. So 

we ask that you please do not 

move these stones and please use 

the tent pads provided. 

During your visit please consider 

that many of the activities that 

occur in this park can harm these 

trees. It is important not to drive 

nails or spikes into a tree, as this 

creates an entry point for decay. 

Never strip the bark off a tree or 

dig into the trunk with knives or 

hatchets. Small trees should not 

be used to tie clotheslines or tarps 

to, and when tying a rope onto a 

large tree, tie it loosely and 

remove it before you leave the 

campsite. And never break 

branches off of a tree for kindling 

or for marshmallow sticks. 

Treating the trees at Rockwood 

Conservation Area with respect 

will insure that they are here for 

generations to come. 

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Conservation 

Area 

Fall St. 

Passmore Rd. 

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Inkerman Rd. 

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Conservation Area: 

A geological and 

biological treasure 

chest 

Situated along the Eramosa 

River in Wellington County, 

Rockwood Conservation Area is 

a recreation park and a wellknown 

destination for campers 

and hikers alike. Paddling the 

calm waters of the impounded 

areas and narrow river corridor is 

a must for many. The area also 

has interpretive staff, who offer 

programs for public and separate 

school boards. The Conservation 

Area was recently the focus of a 

Biothon, a 24-hour inventory of 

plants and animals coordinated by 


Authority. Over 300 plant and 

animal species were observed during 

this inventory, which included 

daytime forays to identify most 

species, and evening searches for 

owls and bats. 

What makes Rockwood so special 

is its geology. Several thousands 

of years ago, glacio-fluvial 

activity within the Eramosa River 

Valley produced a scenic gorge 

within an area of relatively soft 

limestone bedrock. Appropriately 

named Rockwood Conservation 

Area, the park contains one of the 

best collections of glacial potholes, 

caves, and rock ledges in 

Ontario. The largest pothole is 

located immediately north of the 

Conservation Area on land owned 

by the University of Waterloo. 

Sheer vertical cliffs rising 36 

meters (120 feet) are present in 

the northern limits of the park. 

The area is also biologically 

diverse. A variety of wetland types 

are evident, including white cedar 

swamps, black ash and white elm 

swamps, alder swamp thickets, as 

well as smaller pockets of sedge 

and rice cutgrass marshlands. 

Beech – maple and cedar-pinebirch 

forests predominate on relatively 

dry valley slopes. 

Cedar trees at Rockwood are 

slow growing owing to the shallow 

soils and relatively low nutrient 

levels. The oldest trees are estimated 

to be between 300 and 500 

years old. The area’s geology has 

also had a strong influence on vegetation 

communities, which are 

associated with the limestone cliffs, 

crevices, and caves. Cliff areas are 

vertical or nearly vertical, and contain 

sharp to variable broken edges, 

faces, and rims. Average soil substrate 

is less than 15 cm in depth. 

Communities are highly exposed to 

sunlight and are thus influenced by 

extreme fluctuations in temperature 

and moisture. Open cliff areas 

found at Rockwood are characterized 

by tree and shrub cover of 

between 25% and 60%, and often 

contain excess moisture due to 

groundwater seepage. White 

Cedar Treed Limestone Cliff and 

Sugar Maple - Ironwood - White 

Ash Treed Limestone Cliff communities, 

for example, are typically 

restricted to the narrow cliff rims. 

Talus slopes are characterized by 

coarse rock and rubble at the base 

of cliffs. Average soil substrate in 

these areas is also less than 15 cm 

in depth. Vegetation cover varies 

from patchy and barren to more 

closed and treed. Dry – Fresh 

White Cedar Treed Limestone 

Talus Communities occur where 

tree cover is between 25% and 

60%. Crevice and cave community 

types occur in sheltered, mostly 

enclosed cavities and crevices in 

bedrock, and are characterized by 

extreme shading and cool temperatures. 

Vegetation is dependent 

upon the availability of light but is 

typically very patchy. These communities 

are considered significant 

on a provincial and global scale. 

The limestone cliffs and deep 

crevices at Rockwood 

Conservation Area also provide a 

unique microhabitat for a unique 

assemblage of fern species. Two 

rare species occur at Rockwood, 

walking fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum) 

, which is considered rare 

in Wellington County, and purple 

stemmed cliffbrake (Pellaea atropurpurea), 

which is considered rare 

in Ontario. Purple stemmed cliffbrake 

can be confused with slender 

cliffbrake and smooth cliffbrake. 

Although only purple-stemmed 

cliffbrake has been recorded at 

Rockwood, it is conceivable that 

all 3 species occur here. Other 

more common and widespread 

species of fern present within the 

park include rock polyploidy, 

maidenhair spleenwort, bulblet 

fern, lady fern, marginal wood 

fern, ostrich fern, spinulose wood 

fern, and sensitive fern. 

Much of Rockwood is designated 

as Provincially Significant by 

Ontario Ministry of Natural 

Resources and is also recognized 

as a Core Greenland by the 

County of Wellington. 

During your next visit to 

Rockwood, please remain on trails 

and avoid disturbing wildlife, 

including all plants and animals. 

Please report your sightings to 

the GRCA. For further information 

about Rockwood CA, please 

contact Tony Zammit (519-621- 

2763 ext. 2246). 

Market on the Green 

St. John’s Anglican Church, 112 Main St. S. 

(at the lights), Rockwood 

Plant Sale May 23, 8am-12noon 

Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market , 8am-12noon 

June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25, Aug. 8&22, 

Sept. 5 & 19, Oct. 3 ~ Info 519-856-9211 

GRCA celebrating 75 years 

By Janet Baine, GRCA 

Communications Specialist 


Authority traces its roots back 75 

years to a tangled mess of environmental 

problems and hard economic 

times. 

In 1934 the Grand River system 

was sometimes a raging, uncontrolled 

torrent that menaced property 

owners with severe flooding. 

During dry summers, it was a 

smelly trickle of sewer water. 

In 1905, W. H. Breithaupt, a 

Kitchener engineer, suggested 

these problems would be solved 

by constructing dams in the upper 

watershed. While the reservoir 

system was a great idea, it seemed 

like a huge task to build. This is 

because three things were needed 

— a detailed water management 

plan, millions of dollars and the 

municipalities needed to work 

together. 

In 1932, a report was released 

that recommended building four 

multi-purpose reservoirs to regulate 

water supply and ensure minimum 

water flow through Kitchener, 

Waterloo, Galt and Brantford. 

Then on May 30 1934, the first 

meeting of the Grand River 

Conservation Commission 

(GRCC) was held in Brantford. 

This was the first time in Canada 

that municipalities had banded 

together to address water management 

on a watershed scale. 

There was now a plan and a 

political structure, but the Great 

Depression was underway. 

Ironically it was the hard economic 

times that led the provincial and 

federal governments to pay 75 per 

cent of the cost of the dams. 

Today this would be called economic 

stimulus funding, since 

funding dams also gave people 

jobs and helped the economy. 

Marden 

Seats 100 Community Centre 

Catering kitchen and bar 

Tables and chairs 

Air conditioned 

Ample Parking 

www.get.on.ca 

Local municipalities contributed 

the other 25 per cent. 

The commission began working 

on the first large-scale multi-purpose 

water control dam ever constructed 

in Canada — the Shand 

Dam. It opened in 1942. Several 

more dams followed so we now 

have a network to hold back water 

during the spring and release it 

during the dry summer months. 

In 1948, a second conservation 

organization was formed: the 

Grand Valley Conservation 

Authority (GVCA). It developed 

recreational lands, including the 

conservation areas. Ontario’s first 

conservation area opened in 1954 

— the Elora Gorge. Others followed 

quickly. 

The work of the GRCC and the 

GVCA soon converged. In 1966, 

two organizations merged, becoming 


Authority. 

Conservation Area opening dates 

1954- Elora Gorge 

1955- Pinehurst Lake 

1960- Byng Island 

1964- Rockwood 

1960- Conestogo Lake 

1966- Belwood Lake 

1966- Conestogo Lake 

1966- Luther Marsh 

1970- Laurel Creek 

1971- Brant 

1972-Shade’s Mills 

1977- Elora Quarry 

1979-Guelph Lake 

Note that people began visiting 

Belwood Lake, (created in 1942) and 

Luther Marsh (created 1952) and 

Conestogo Lake (created in 1958) soon 

after the dams were constructed, but 

they were on Grand River Conservation 

Commission land and didn’t officially 

become conservation areas until 1966 

when the GRCC merged with the Grand 

Valley Conservation Authority to form 

the GRCA. 

Let us help celebrate your special day!! 

The GRCA has been an environmental 

leader and attracted national 

and international attention. In 1994 

the Grand and its tributaries 

became a designated Canadian 

Heritage River. Then in 2000, the 

GRCA was awarded the Thiess 

International Riverprize that recognizes 

excellence in water management. 

The nomination stated, “ours 

is a story of the recovery of the 

Grand River from years of degradation 

and industrialization and 

how we are working together to 

keep it healthy for future generations.” 

The Grand remains the only 

Canadian river to have received 

this prestigious recognition. 

Today, the GRCA manages the 

largest watershed in Southern 

Ontario, with close to a million 

residents in one of the fastest 

growing regions of the province. 

Water quality has improved, flood 

damages have been reduced, thousands 

of hectares of land have 

been protected and forest cover 

has grown to 20 per cent from 

five per cent. 

With more than 2,500 campsites 

at eight conservation areas, the 

GRCA is the second largest operator 

of campgrounds in the 

province — second only to 

Ontario Parks. There are four 

additional conservation areas that 

are open for day use. 

By visiting our conservation 

areas, you are supporting the conservation 

and recreational work of 

the GRCA, since these areas are 

financially self-supporting. We 

hope you will visit some of our 

other conservation areas, since all 

are unique and together they offer 

a wide range of recreational 

opportunities close to home. 

Rockmosa 

Seats 300 Community Hall 

Located in Rockwood 

Full food preparation kitchen and bar 

Air Conditioned 

Tables and chairs 

Ample Parking 

r001083090 

For more information contact Vicki 519-856-9951 ext 113


The geology of Rockwood 

caused the compaction of much 

of the sediment into limestone 

and dolostone bedrock, however 

the reef core, which was very 

hard, resisted this compaction. As 

the Wisconsin glacier retreated 

approximately 11,000 years ago, 

it cut deep gorges throughout the 

area and deposited much glacial 

debris. Due to the porous nature 

of the reef core, glacial runoff 

passed through hard reef core 

and into the compacted sedimentary 

rock surrounding it 

(Chapman and Putnam 1966). 

This runoff caused the erosion of 

the compacted sediment but not 

the hard reef core and is responsible 

for creating a variety of 

unique glacial features observed 

in the Rockwood Conservation 

Area (Wake 1997). 

The glacial bluffs or gorges 

throughout the conservation area 

were created as large areas of 

sediment were eroded around 

sections of reef core. These 

gorges range from 5 to 30 m in 

depth and 7 to 200 m in width. 

Erosion of these gorges has continued 

since the Wisconsin glacier's 

retreat and is continually 

changing their shape. 

Information on the Rockwood 

Conservation Area provided from 

Andrew Maher. 

The Rockwood area has a 

unique geological history. During 

Silurian times, approximately 

400 million years ago, a warm, 

shallow inland sea covered much 

of south central Ontario, and 

Rockwood was located in a thriving 

coral reef. Much of the 

bedrock around the Rockwood 

area is limestone and dolostone 

that was created as sediment 

accumulated around these reefs 

during this time (Theberge 1989). 

The greatest impact on the 

Rockwood area occurred during 

the most recent ice age, 11,000 

to16,000 years ago, when the 

Wisconsin glacier covered the 

area with a kilometer of ice 

(Theberge 1989). During this 

time the weight of the ice mass 

Potholes & caves 

Potholes 

An unique geomorphologic feature 

that owes its creation to the 

runoff of the Wisconsin glacier 

are the over 200 potholes and pothole 

remnants identified throughout 

the conservation area (Wake 

1997). These potholes vary in size 

from 7m in diameter and 11 m in 

depth, to less than 0.5 m in diameter 

and depth. These potholes 

were created by hard glacial 

debris including sand, pebbles, 

and granite boulders that was 

deposited by the Wisconsin glacier 

and were caught in eddies in 

the rapid flowing melt water. This 

debris acted as grinding agents 

and, under the pressure of the 

water flow, cut holes onto the soft 

sedimentary bedrock (Chapman 

and Putnam 1966). 

Caves 

Another unique feature created 

by the runoff of the Wisconsin 

glacier is the extensive network of 

12 solution caves. The erosion of 

sedimentary rock created the cave 

system when an underground 

stream flowed through the rock 

(Chapman and Putnam 1966). 

This cave system is one of the 

most extensive systems found in 

Ontario and exhibits depositional 

features including stalactites, 

columns, and flowstone. 

Information on the Rockwood 

Conservation Area provided from 

Andrew Maher and his report on 


available on request at the gate. 

Book one of our 

unique Outdoor 

Learning Adventures, 

tailored to organized 

groups, and led by 

experienced GRCA naturalists. 

Cost is only $90 for a 2 hour program, 

or $120 for a three hour program. 

Maximum 30 people. 

Book your program when 

making your Rockwood 

group camping reservation: 

Phone (519) 856-9543 

or e-mail 

bdixon@grandriver.ca 

Ask about our special 

discount for Cub/Scout/ 

Guide/Brownie 

conservation badge 

programs.


Rockwood 2009 summer schedule 

One of the best ways to get to know the Rockwood Conservation Area is 

through one of our well established park interpretive programs. 

All Thursday programs begin at 2:00pm and Saturday programs begin at 

10:00am, with the exception of our night hike which will begin at 8:00pm 

To begin each program one of our park naturalists will greet you at the 

Nature Centre at the mini-putt, with the exception of the Swamp Tromp, 

which will begin at the Mill Ruins. 

Each program will be an exciting and informative 1 to 1.5 hours. 

DATE EVENT DESCRIPTION MEETING PLACE 

June 20 

Saturday - 10:00am 

Beginning 

Birder 

Birds are everywhere! The limestone cliffs, the water, the thick cedars 

and deciduous tree canopy of Rockwood provide wonderfully varied 

habitats that entice many different species of birds. Extra binoculars 

will be available. 

Nature Centre at the 

mini-putt 

July 2 

Thursday - 2:00pm 

Swamp Tromp 

Come and explore the water world of Rockwood. You’ll find yourself 

dip-netting with a naturalist, looking for frogs, fish, and invertebrates 

near the Harris Mill Ruins. Be prepared to get your shoes wet! 

Mill Ruins 

July 11 


Creepy 

Creatures 

Cuddle a rat, hold a snake, and wear a cockroach broach! 

Fun for the whole family! 


mini-putt 

July 16 


A Rock walk 

with an 

optional messy 

ending 

This will be a leisurely stroll to visit one of Rockwood’s largest caves. 

For the adventurous there will be the option of crawling into one of the 

tunnels. If you plan on participating in the cave crawling please bring a 

flashlight and wear clothing that covers your knees and elbows. 


mini-putt 

July 25 


Swamp Tromp 



near the Harris Mill ruins. Be prepared to get your shoes wet! 

Mill Ruins 

July 30 


Night Hike 

This evening hike will introduce you to the nighttime creatures that 

reside in the Rockwood Conservation Area. 


mini-putt 

August 1 


Swamp Tromp 




Mill Ruins 

August 6 


Bug Hunt 

Join the naturalist, and explore the field and forest looking for those 

creepy crawlers lurking under logs and in the branches. Using nets and 

spy glasses you’ll see just how beautiful bugs can be! 


mini-putt 

August 8 


Creepy 

Creatures 

Cuddle a rat, hold a snake, and wear a cockroach broach! 

Fun for the whole family! 


mini-putt 

August 15 


A Rock walk 

with an 

optional messy 

ending 

This will be a leisurely stroll to visit one of Rockwood’s largest caves. 

For the adventurous there will be the option of crawling into one of the 

tunnels. If you plan on participating in the cave crawling please bring a 

flashlight and wear clothing that covers your knees and elbows. 


mini-putt 

Aug 20 


Swamp Tromp 




Mill Ruins 

BUY 1 LARGE BUCKET 

OF BALLS & RECEIVE 

1 SMALL BUCKET 

519


Admission 


Child (ages 6-14) $2.50 

5 years of age & under FREE 

Buses (20 or more people) per person discount $0.25 

Seasonal Walk-In Pass 


Child (ages 6-14) $35.00 

Vehicle Season’s Pass 

1st Vehicle $95.00 

2nd Vehicle $65.00 

Camping 


Rate per unit per day with one vehicle 

(maximum 6 people plus admission fee) 

Unserviced Site $31.00 

Serviced Site $38.00 

Full Serviced Site $41.50 

Additional Vehicle fee (overnight) $10.00 

Pavilion Rentals 

Mill Ruin $600.00 

Pavilion Rental $150.00 

Miscellaneous 


Dump Station fee (non user) $10.00 

Firewood $7.00/bag 

Canoe/Paddle Boat rental $12.00/hour 

Showers (quarters only) $0.25 

Hours of Operation 

Concession: 

Weekends 10am - 8pm 

Weekdays 10am - dusk 

Boat Rentals 10am - dusk 

Gatehouse/Firewood 8am - 9pm 

Mini-Golf 8am - dusk 

(Times subject to change) 

PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION 

WHEN VISITING THE PARK! 

STAY ON DESIGNATED 

TRAILS AND BE CONSCIOUS 

OF THE LANDSCAPE 

AROUND YOU!

Rockwood Conservation Area - Grand River Conservation Authority

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