TCMH working on outdoor revitalization plan

This photo shows TCMH’s property along the Nith River flats, with storm management areas and stakes from recent tree planting. Contributed photo

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Work is well underway in New Hamburg on a new Nithview long-term-care home, and going hand-in-hand with it is an outdoor development along the Nith River flats.

Tri-County Mennonite Homes (TCMH) is working with Wilmot Township on an initiative to revitalize stormwater management and enhance access to the river flats with an accessible trail system. The trails will connect to barrier-free pathways at Nithview Community and preserve the flats natural grasslands while protecting wildlife habitats.

“The new Nithview will feature barrier-free pathways for families and residents to access the grounds and the river flats,” said TCMH director of communications Emily Shannon.

“These pathways are intended to enhance the use of outdoor spaces at Nithview and will contribute to the wellbeing of our residents. It will also give them space for quiet contemplation that overlooks the river valley and grasslands below.”

Development of the river flats was first initiated in 2024 through conversations with Let’s Tree Wilmot and Earthscape, a company from Wallenstein. A grant was awarded to improve the area and a new path system was proposed to help protect wildlife habitats and the natural ecology. The connection between the river flats and the new long-term-care home grounds will allow the more mobile residents of Nithview Community to enjoy all of TCMH’s property.

“We want to make the river flats accessible for its residents in a safe and ecologically sound manner. The current river flats create a safety hazard for all users, not only Nithview Community residents,” said Shannon. “There are stormwater management ponds that are overgrown at the sides, as well as other overland water-flow areas that create soggy, uneven ground. We want to make the river flats a safe and usable space.”

Fencing will clearly define the access points for anyone who wishes to walk along the river flats. It will ensure that no residents or community members venture into unsafe areas. It will also ensure tree-planting efforts and reseeding of native grasses are not disturbed and are allowed to grow.

The first visible change will be a new fence running the length of TCMH’s property. Construction is expected to begin this month and wrap up by next fall. The existing ponds will also be reshaped and resized to better manage increasing stormwater from both Nithview and the surrounding area.

This phase of the stormwater management work does not yet have a firm timeline, as discussions with the township are ongoing. Pathway construction is expected to be completed by late 2027, though exact timelines remain uncertain.

“Because the path system will have defined access points, it will help to contain use on the designated areas, which means the river flats pathways will be safe for everyone to enjoy. People can also connect to the Nithview long-term-care property and into the adjacent neighbourhoods using the dedicated paths. In doing so, they can enjoy nature and maybe even see some wildlife in the area,” said Shannon.

The fencing project is intended to enhance public safety, protect sensitive natural areas and improve the overall trail experience by clearly defining a safe access point for community use. As TCMH and the township finalize plans to expand the stormwater management ponds and address overland water flow on the river flats, officials say resident safety remains the top priority. Installing a fence along the length of TCMH’s property is seen as a key step in ensuring visitors can access the river flats safely.

Township officials said the project reflects a shared commitment to preserving the beauty of the river valley while ensuring it remains accessible to everyone.

“Tri-County is making an important investment in both our environment and our community with a project that protects what we love while making it more accessible to everyone,” said Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen.

“The new fencing and other upgrades are important steps in balancing access, recreation and environmental stewardship.”

Once fencing and stormwater management improvements are completed, the next phase of development will begin. Publicly accessible pathways will be added with clearly defined access points.

“TCMH’s improvement project is about protecting what makes our river valley so special. By installing fencing, clarifying access points and adding designated pathways, we are preserving natural greenspace, supporting wildlife habitats and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this beautiful space responsibly,” said TCMH chair Bruce Bechtel.