Sign of the times at Lake Laurentian Conservation Area

Conservation Sudbury, in partnership with Union Gas, will unveil its new sign at the entrance to the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area at 10 a.m. on Wednesday May 20.

This new sign kicks off an ambitious plan to add high-quality signs throughout the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, said a news release. A total of 99 signs will be installed in the coming months. The signs will be of equivalent quality to those one would expect to find in a provincial park.

The Conservation Authority and its network of volunteers and supporters known as the Friends of Lake Laurentian are grateful for the generous participation of Union Gas to bring about the installation of the main entrance sign and to kick off the campaign.

“Union Gas is committed to helping the communities we serve become even more vibrant and healthy,” said Marc Tonelli, Union Gas utility service manager for Sudbury. “We are pleased to support Conservation Sudbury and its work to enhance signage, so users can continue to safely navigate these fantastic local trails.”

The main goal of the sign plan is to provide visitors with clear directions regarding the trail being used and the destination that lies ahead. Users will have confidence in their location at any sign that is encountered — each will be clearly marked with latitude and longitude.

In addition to the new sign at the main entrance, there will be several kiosks installed providing a detailed map of the system and guidelines for trail users. These will be located at five trailhead locations including those at the Nature Chalet and the BioSki Cottage as well as at access points to the trails system found at Moonlight Beach, Ida Street and Laurentian University.

Seven interpretative signs have been incorporated into the plan and provide visitors with background on the human and natural heritage of the area.
Strategically-placed ‘You Are Here’ signs will be installed at more than 40 locations throughout the conservation area at key intersections of trails.

Directional posts will also be placed at useful positions between major intersections to provide clear guidance to trail users.

The trails system at the LLCA is used extensively by hikers, naturalists, runners, cyclists, snowshoers and skiers. Portions of the system are designated as Trans-Canada Trail.