Maitland Conservation Foundation unveils, dedicates new pavilion near Belgrave
BY CORY BILYEA
Thanks to a remarkable fundraising campaign spearheaded by the Maitland Conservation Foundation (MCF), a long-held vision for the Wawanosh Valley Conservation Area is now a reality.
Leaders from the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and the MCF gathered alongside local donors on Friday, Sept. 25, to celebrate the grand opening of the conservation area’s new community outdoor pavilion. Funded through dedicated community fundraising, the project reflects the watershed’s shared commitment to preserving local natural spaces while creating modern amenities for everyone to enjoy. Built directly on the site where the former Nature Centre once stood, the pavilion brings essential upgrades to the property, ensuring the popular conservation area remains a premier destination for day-use recreation, family gatherings and community events across the watershed.
Domm Construction Ltd. completed the heavy timber-frame pavilion and accompanying facility upgrades, delivering a durable structure built to withstand seasonal elements.
Stewart Lockie, Conservation Areas Services Co-ordinator, conceptualized the impressive architectural design and meticulously planned a structure that respects the property’s natural environment and agricultural heritage.
Measuring 25 feet wide by 50 feet long, the open-concept shelter utilizes premium Douglas fir timber framing for maximum longevity and a steel roof modelled after the site’s original bank barn.
Lockie’s design thoughtfully covers the roof rafters to drastically reduce rain noise while keeping the heavy timber frame aesthetic beautifully showcased. Total inclusivity lies at the heart of the layout, integrating accessible pathways, future-ready lighting, electrical outlets and brand-new custom seating.
Built to accommodate 48 seated guests and include six dedicated wheelchair spaces, the shelter holds six new six-foot tables and two eight-foot accessible tables, complemented by four existing outdoor picnic tables.
Environmental stewardship wraps around the architecture: the immediate perimeter features slow-growing, low-maintenance turf grass, while the backdrop is being actively restored with native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and several new trees.
This project stands as a shining example of the vital work done by the Maitland Conservation Foundation. As a charitable organization, the MCF raises essential community funds to protect and enhance the natural ecosystems of the Maitland and Nine-Mile River watersheds.
The pavilion’s launch aligns seamlessly with the Foundation’s broader, ongoing “We Are Inspired by Nature” campaign. This critical fundraising effort is designed to build climate resilience by restoring floodplains, river valleys and stream buffers, while heavily investing in forest and aquatic health across the region. Community members are encouraged to keep this momentum going by donating to the campaign, directly helping restore the health of the rivers and forests that local wildlife and communities rely on.
The celebration began with opening remarks from Nigel Bellchamber, vice-chair of MCF, who served as master of ceremonies. Bellchamber welcomed the crowd, introduced several local donors, dignitaries and notable attendees, and praised the exceptional community turnout. Among the local dignitaries in attendance to support the opening were Township of North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer and Councillor Anita van Hittersum, representing the East Wawanosh Ward.
“Thank you very much,” Bellchamber said, noting how the event surpassed original plans. “I think when we first started discussing this, we thought, ‘Oh, there will be a couple of board members and maybe a couple other people.’ We have 60 or 80 people here who have gotten together for the purpose of opening this pavilion, and the dedication of it.”
MCF Chair Jordan Nairn kicked off the remarks by praising the community’s swift financial response and the collective effort behind the campaign, extending a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to its success.
“Thank you to everyone who donated, encouraged the project, helped with the planning, construction, and simply believed that this was something worth doing,” Nairn said. “The foundation is incredibly proud to have played a part in making this happen.”
She concluded her address by reminding the crowd that the new pavilion’s true value lies in the future generations who will use it.
“Most importantly, this pavilion isn’t about today - it’s about the many tomorrows that will happen here,” Nairn said. “That’s what conservation is ultimately about: leaving something better for the people who come after us. So, thank you for being part of the celebration, thank you for believing in Wawanosh, and thank you for helping us build the next chapter of its history.”
Following the Foundation’s address, Ed McGugan, Chair of the MVCA Members, brought greetings on behalf of the authority. McGugan highlighted the strong spirit of partnership between local municipalities and the conservation authority.
The event also provided an opportunity to hear directly from the primary financial donors who made the pavilion a reality. Representatives from major local contributors shared special remarks, including the Howick Mutual Insurance Company, Jenny Hogervorst, Art and Jenny Versteeg, and Francis Hogan.
After the closing remarks, the afternoon culminated in the official unveiling of a commemorative plaque, marking both the structure’s formal completion and a special naming honour. The plaque officially announces that the new structure is named the Phil Beard Pavilion in honour of Maitland Conservation’s General Manager Phil Beard, recognizing his decades of dedicated service and vision for the watershed and his deep commitment to local environmental stewardship remains well known and respected in the watershed.
The presentation also included a touching moment of appreciation for the vital support system behind that leadership. On behalf of the Foundation, Phil’s wife, Marg Beard, received a beautiful bouquet of flowers to honour her shared journey alongside him throughout his years of service.
“We don’t do it without our significant others,” Bellchamber said, as he presented Marg with her flowers. “So, we wanted to make sure that while we were saying thank you to Phil, we also recognized that he doesn’t do it all by himself.”
Following the formal unveiling ceremony and presentations, guests stayed behind to enjoy an outdoor social time together, officially opening the pavilion to the community.