THUNDER BAY — A popular hiking area on the outskirts of Thunder Bay has reopened for public use a week ahead of schedule.
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority closed the Cascades Conservation Area, at the west end of Balsam Street, on July 4 for construction.
At the time, the conservation authority said the closure would last about three weeks.
But on Tuesday, the authority announced that work on the parking lot and the paved loop trail has already been completed.
The trail had developed frost heaves, and exposed tree roots posed challenges for people with mobility issues.
The parking lot needed to be rehabilitated because water was pooling in the middle, creating a safety hazard during periods of freezing weather.
According to the conservation authority, the improvements bring the Cascades Conservation Area into compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
The authority had hoped to have the work done last fall rather in the peak-use summer season, but it said it was unable to secure a contractor at the time.
