PROVINCEWIDE SHUTDOWN
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, a one month long provincewide shutdown is in effect as of Saturday, April 3, at 12:01 a.m. To find out what this means please go to this link:
PROVINCEWIDE STAY-AT-HOME ORDER Effective Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., requiring everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise , or for work that cannot be done remotely. The Stay-at-home order will last for at least 28 days, which is until May 6.
OUR CONSERVATION AREAS REMAIN OPEN FOR DAY USE TO THE PUBLIC WITH LIMITED SERVICES/FACILITIES
Outdoor social gatherings must comply with public health advice on physical distancing of at least 2 metres and have no more than 5 people. Masks are recommended.
- TRAIL ETIQUETTE:
– schedule your trail use to avoid times of high use, conservation areas are generally open from 9 a.m. until sunset 7 days a week.
– maintain your social distance of minimum 2 metres
– no group interaction
– maximum outdoor social gatherings 5 people
– single file activity only
– wear a mask outdoors if you cannot social distance 2 metres
– when passing people, step as far to the side as possible and pass on the left
– expect and respect other users
– keep all pets on a leash and pick up after your pet
– remove all your litter and pet litter from the conservation area – there are no garbage cans on site
– abide by all Conservation Area Regulations
ALL PUBLIC WASHROOMS IN CONSERVATION AREAS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED:
Please note that our public washrooms at Longwoods Road, Big Bend, C.M. Wilson and Sharon Creek Conservation Areas are NOT open.
THERE IS NO DRINKING WATER
SEE CAMPGROUND OPENING UPDATE – ISSUED JULY 15 2020
CAMPGROUNDS will open and operate according to current Health Unit and Provincial Government COVID-19 safety guidelines. For further information please contact: cmwilson@ltvca.ca or call: (519) 354-8184
C.M. Wilson Conservation Area
Camping reservations open for the 2021 season on March 1, 2021 at 9:00 am.
LTVCA Conservation Area Regulations
LTVCA Conservation Area and Camping Rules
The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority acquired this 30 hectare property in 1967. The park was named after a former Chair of the Board of Directors, Clarence Michael Wilson.
Check out our latest YouTube video clip of C.M. Wilson Conservation Area!
General public day use visitors please pay admission at the Pay and Display machine located at the entrance to the park – coin or credit card only. Display ticket on vehicle dashboard. Thank you for supporting this conservation area!
Note: Camping, pre-booked education program and other program/facility rental fees different fee schedule.
Conservation Areas Fee Schedule
Download C.M. Wilson Conservation Area Brochure
Directions
C.M. Wilson Conservation Area is located at 21799 Fargo Road. Located 8.5 km south of Chatham. Take Communications Road south, after going over Hwy. 401 turn right (west) onto Horton Road, cross railroad tracks, turn right (north) onto Fargo Road and travel 1 km to the entrance.)
Coordinates
Lat/Long 42.375, -82.107 UTM 408840, 4692030
Features
See pictures of our rustic, outdoor Wedding Venue!
Barn Pavilion Rental available.
Beautiful Day Use areas.
Canoe and Bicycle Use Information
DUE TO COVID-19, BICYCLES AND CANOES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
Canoes available ‘free’ for day users and campers! See details below for use.
Bikes available ‘free’ for day users and campers! See details below for use.
Canoe & Bicycle Use Information
DUE TO COVID-19, BICYCLES AND CANOES ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME
- Canoes & Bicycles available
- > Monday- Friday 8:30am- 4:30pm
- > Saturday 9:00am- 7:00pm
- > Sundays 9:00am-5:00pm
- > Public Holidays 8:30am- 4:30pm
- > Canoes and Bicycles can be used free of charge for campers and day use visitors. Maximum usage time for both canoes and bikes is one hour.
- > Canoes & Bicycles available from 8:30am- 4:30pm Monday- Thursday; 9:00am- 7:00pm Friday & Saturday; 9:00am-5:00pm on Sundays
- > When borrowing a canoe or bike you must provide your Day Use Permit number, Season Day Use Permit number, or Camping Permit receipt number.
- > All safety equipment will be provided for you.
When borrowing a canoe you must:
- > Abide by all regulations set out by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority
- > Stay within the pond
- > Wear a provided PFD
- > Sign a canoe rental consent form
- > Provide a valid Driver’s License number
There is no registration or reservations for canoes or bicycles. Usage is first come first serve. Ensure you have your Day Use Permit or Camping Permit receipt number ready. Call (519) 358-6214 for access code.
Camping
Camp at one of 100 sites, available with hydro, hydro and water, or unserviced. Two group camp sites are also available for larger groups. Sites are available for nightly, weekly, and monthly rates. There are also sites available for season-long camping, with availability to store trailer on seasonal site over winter. For camping fees click here. Washroom facilities are fully serviced with showers.
Picnic tables are available throughout the park and organized groups can book the pavilion, or hold special events year-round in our rustic barn (see photo above), from family gatherings, to weddings, to school functions. Enjoy the new children’s adventure playground, new outdoor class room, fishing, sailing, canoeing, and nature trails. Most facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Other key features include:
- • Conservation Education Programs
- • Chatham-Kent and Lambton Children’s Water Festival (annual)
General Inquiries:
cmwilson@ltvca.ca
519 354-8184 – C.M. Wilson Conservation Area Workshop
When Are We Open?
Day Use: Year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset daily. This is a Pay & Display park, machine for parking permit purchase is located at the gatehouse.
Campground: Open Victoria Day to Thanksgiving
Reservations: Click here to reserve a campsite during the camping season, or for barn/pavilion rentals call 519-354-8184 or cmwilson@ltvca.ca
Natural Features
McKinlay Woodlands Memorial Forest is located in the C.M. Wilson Conservation Area. Hundreds of trees are planted in memory of loved ones every year, supported by McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.
Enjoy canoeing, fishing, or the scenic view of the man-made lake, a small Carolinian forest, and natural wetland area. There are also nature trails throughout the park, showcasing nature and wildlife.
No Hunting.
Conservation Areas are NOT off-leash dog parks. ALL DOGS AND PETS MUST BE LEASHED. UNLEASHED PETS ARE A FINEABLE OFFENCE. CLEAN-UP AFTER YOUR PET! Section 10.-(2) and (3) Under the Conservation Authorities Act.
CM Wilson Conservation Area is also home to the Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village.
Address
21799 Fargo Road
Blenheim
Ontario
N0P1A0
Canada
Chatham-Kent and Lambton Children's Water Festival
Canadian Heritage Rivers
A member of