Woodstock, May 1, 2020 – The City of Woodstock in conjunction with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) are excited and pleased to announce that access across the bridge of Pittock Dam will be open on Friday, May 1. For the first time in more than 40 years, pedestrians will be able to walk across the dam, linking the north and south shores of Pittock Reservoir.

This latest complement to the City’s existing series of trails takes us another step closer to the development of a loop trail around the reservoir.

“The City and the UTRCA have been working together for the past 7 years to increase public access to these lands and to Pittock Lake.  Together we have a common goal of improving the recreational amenities in these areas.  Two years ago the City acquired 88 acres of surplus land from the UTRCA on the north shore and is developing trails on portions of these lands.  This Friday marks the achievement of the next goal; the opening of the pedestrian crossing across the Pittock Dam to connect the north and south shores”, said Mayor Trevor Birtch.

Mark Schadenberg, Woodstock City Councilor and UTRCA board member, said, “On behalf of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, I am pleased that the walkway over Pittock Dam has been reopened to the public. We hope people will take advantage of the wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities available at Pittock Conservation Area and, in particular, the expansive day-use park area and expanded trail systems. Thank you to the City of Woodstock for this wonderful partnership that provides improved access to nature close to home.”

Similar to other green spaces in the City and UTRCA day use lands, access will be limited to daylight hours. Access will be available during the summer but prohibited in the fall for the installation of lights and closed during the winter months due to icy conditions.

It is important to note that flood control and flow augmentation are the primary purpose of the Gordon Pittock Dam. The dam will be closed to pedestrians occasionally, so that maintenance can be undertaken on the structure. Staff will use City of Woodstock and UTRCA communication platforms (websites and social media), along with the appropriate signage to notify the public of such interruptions.