Walter Bean Trail Improvements

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The Walter Bean Trail connects Doon Valley Golf Course in the south of the City to Kiwanis Park in the north. The trail consists of large stones with granular infill. This provides a walkable and rideable (bikes, strollers) surface.

This project includes just over 3 km of the trail, from the Hidden Valley low-lift station and weir to the pump station off Pioneer Tower Road. This section is located around the periphery of the Deer Ridge Golf Course and within the overbanks of the Grand River.

Over time, this section of the trail has become damaged through riverine erosion action and ice floes. We have identified the need to develop a long-term and sustainable solution to maintaining the trail for all users, instead of significant annual repairs and associated costs that the City has been incurring.

The City understands that the local community uses the trail frequently and have been asking for the trail to be repaired and in a good condition.

The City will be evaluating options for improving the trail, with the objective of preventing trail damage from erosion and ice floes. Once an option has been selected, the City will initiate the design of the trail and provide an opportunity for the public to provide input into the design prior to design completion.

Stay Informed

We will keep you informed throughout this project. To subscribe for updates, add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe’.

About the Walter Bean Trail

The Walter Bean Trail connects Doon Valley Golf Course in the south of the City to Kiwanis Park in the north. The trail consists of large stones with granular infill. This provides a walkable and rideable (bikes, strollers) surface. Learn more

The Walter Bean Trail connects Doon Valley Golf Course in the south of the City to Kiwanis Park in the north. The trail consists of large stones with granular infill. This provides a walkable and rideable (bikes, strollers) surface.

This project includes just over 3 km of the trail, from the Hidden Valley low-lift station and weir to the pump station off Pioneer Tower Road. This section is located around the periphery of the Deer Ridge Golf Course and within the overbanks of the Grand River.

Over time, this section of the trail has become damaged through riverine erosion action and ice floes. We have identified the need to develop a long-term and sustainable solution to maintaining the trail for all users, instead of significant annual repairs and associated costs that the City has been incurring.

The City understands that the local community uses the trail frequently and have been asking for the trail to be repaired and in a good condition.

The City will be evaluating options for improving the trail, with the objective of preventing trail damage from erosion and ice floes. Once an option has been selected, the City will initiate the design of the trail and provide an opportunity for the public to provide input into the design prior to design completion.

Stay Informed

We will keep you informed throughout this project. To subscribe for updates, add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe’.

About the Walter Bean Trail

The Walter Bean Trail connects Doon Valley Golf Course in the south of the City to Kiwanis Park in the north. The trail consists of large stones with granular infill. This provides a walkable and rideable (bikes, strollers) surface. Learn more

Ask a question

Do you have a question about this project? Ask it here. 

To protect your privacy:

  • Do not include your last name in your username
  • Do not include any personal information (like your address) in your question  

Before submitting your question, make sure it meets our etiquette and moderation policy. If it doesn’t, we will not be able to respond. 

We usually respond within three business days. If your question is urgent, call the City of Kitchener at 519-741-2345 (TTY: 1-866-969-9994).

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  • Share Will there be any bridge to be built to connect Doon and Pioneer Park with Pioneer Tower West and the shopping area? The only bridge in the area is out of the scope of this project and takes a long detour to get to. We are severely missing connections over the river for those who bike, jog and walk around this area. on Facebook Share Will there be any bridge to be built to connect Doon and Pioneer Park with Pioneer Tower West and the shopping area? The only bridge in the area is out of the scope of this project and takes a long detour to get to. We are severely missing connections over the river for those who bike, jog and walk around this area. on Twitter Share Will there be any bridge to be built to connect Doon and Pioneer Park with Pioneer Tower West and the shopping area? The only bridge in the area is out of the scope of this project and takes a long detour to get to. We are severely missing connections over the river for those who bike, jog and walk around this area. on Linkedin Email Will there be any bridge to be built to connect Doon and Pioneer Park with Pioneer Tower West and the shopping area? The only bridge in the area is out of the scope of this project and takes a long detour to get to. We are severely missing connections over the river for those who bike, jog and walk around this area. link

    Will there be any bridge to be built to connect Doon and Pioneer Park with Pioneer Tower West and the shopping area? The only bridge in the area is out of the scope of this project and takes a long detour to get to. We are severely missing connections over the river for those who bike, jog and walk around this area.

    pbilk asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. At this time we do not have a bridge planned. This is out of the scope for this project. 

  • Share Will the project limit include asphalt? Gravel is nice and more natural but has accessibility problems, especially if it's a little wet. Has bricks or pavers been considered? It's easier to maintain and is more flexible with the environment but would allow the trail to remain more accessible when it's a little more wet or snowy out. on Facebook Share Will the project limit include asphalt? Gravel is nice and more natural but has accessibility problems, especially if it's a little wet. Has bricks or pavers been considered? It's easier to maintain and is more flexible with the environment but would allow the trail to remain more accessible when it's a little more wet or snowy out. on Twitter Share Will the project limit include asphalt? Gravel is nice and more natural but has accessibility problems, especially if it's a little wet. Has bricks or pavers been considered? It's easier to maintain and is more flexible with the environment but would allow the trail to remain more accessible when it's a little more wet or snowy out. on Linkedin Email Will the project limit include asphalt? Gravel is nice and more natural but has accessibility problems, especially if it's a little wet. Has bricks or pavers been considered? It's easier to maintain and is more flexible with the environment but would allow the trail to remain more accessible when it's a little more wet or snowy out. link

    Will the project limit include asphalt? Gravel is nice and more natural but has accessibility problems, especially if it's a little wet. Has bricks or pavers been considered? It's easier to maintain and is more flexible with the environment but would allow the trail to remain more accessible when it's a little more wet or snowy out.

    pbilk asked 5 months ago

    Thank you for your question. We are in the preliminary design phase and looking at all options for material. Asphalt will not likely be a chosen option as it will not be suitable for this area. Please stay tuned to this page as we keep this page updated as we proceed with the design and will share the alternatives chosen. 

  • Share I know the land around is owned privately, but has there been any consideration for commuter pedestrians or cyclists using this trail? As this is one of the only connections between Kitchener and Cambridge (besides King St, which is not pedestrian-friendly), it would be fantastic to have a faster connection point from near King St. to Deer Ridge instead of having to go around the entire golf course. on Facebook Share I know the land around is owned privately, but has there been any consideration for commuter pedestrians or cyclists using this trail? As this is one of the only connections between Kitchener and Cambridge (besides King St, which is not pedestrian-friendly), it would be fantastic to have a faster connection point from near King St. to Deer Ridge instead of having to go around the entire golf course. on Twitter Share I know the land around is owned privately, but has there been any consideration for commuter pedestrians or cyclists using this trail? As this is one of the only connections between Kitchener and Cambridge (besides King St, which is not pedestrian-friendly), it would be fantastic to have a faster connection point from near King St. to Deer Ridge instead of having to go around the entire golf course. on Linkedin Email I know the land around is owned privately, but has there been any consideration for commuter pedestrians or cyclists using this trail? As this is one of the only connections between Kitchener and Cambridge (besides King St, which is not pedestrian-friendly), it would be fantastic to have a faster connection point from near King St. to Deer Ridge instead of having to go around the entire golf course. link

    I know the land around is owned privately, but has there been any consideration for commuter pedestrians or cyclists using this trail? As this is one of the only connections between Kitchener and Cambridge (besides King St, which is not pedestrian-friendly), it would be fantastic to have a faster connection point from near King St. to Deer Ridge instead of having to go around the entire golf course.

    devrs asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for this valuable feedback. While this project is focused on this trail and navigating around the golf course, we recognize the importance of safe commuter connections. On road options were considered but ultimately were unable to accommodate the connections this trail looks to achieve. We have shared this feedback with our Active Transportation deptarerment for further consideration.  

  • Share Hi Liz, are you a structural engineer, mechanical engineer, or a civil engineer? Do you have any other experience building paths and/or walkways that resist erosion? on Facebook Share Hi Liz, are you a structural engineer, mechanical engineer, or a civil engineer? Do you have any other experience building paths and/or walkways that resist erosion? on Twitter Share Hi Liz, are you a structural engineer, mechanical engineer, or a civil engineer? Do you have any other experience building paths and/or walkways that resist erosion? on Linkedin Email Hi Liz, are you a structural engineer, mechanical engineer, or a civil engineer? Do you have any other experience building paths and/or walkways that resist erosion? link

    Hi Liz, are you a structural engineer, mechanical engineer, or a civil engineer? Do you have any other experience building paths and/or walkways that resist erosion?

    Junkman22 asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your question. The city has hired a consulting firm who has Water Resource Engineers as well as other experienced engineers to deal with this type of erosion.

    Thank you, 

  • Share Renovations on the section of the trail started in the spring on the old Zeller drive portion. It looks like the project has been abandoned all of the work that was done has eroded away over the summer. What is the plan? on Facebook Share Renovations on the section of the trail started in the spring on the old Zeller drive portion. It looks like the project has been abandoned all of the work that was done has eroded away over the summer. What is the plan? on Twitter Share Renovations on the section of the trail started in the spring on the old Zeller drive portion. It looks like the project has been abandoned all of the work that was done has eroded away over the summer. What is the plan? on Linkedin Email Renovations on the section of the trail started in the spring on the old Zeller drive portion. It looks like the project has been abandoned all of the work that was done has eroded away over the summer. What is the plan? link

    Renovations on the section of the trail started in the spring on the old Zeller drive portion. It looks like the project has been abandoned all of the work that was done has eroded away over the summer. What is the plan?

    Ivtall asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your email. This section of trail is out of our project area: please contact the Region of Waterloo. The work being done near Old Zeller Dr is a project lead by the Region of Waterloo. Thank you. 

  • Share Will the City be maintaining the nature based aspects of the trails and minimizing the use of paving as a solution? I agree with Jennifer L's comment as well. We can't keep paving paradise. on Facebook Share Will the City be maintaining the nature based aspects of the trails and minimizing the use of paving as a solution? I agree with Jennifer L's comment as well. We can't keep paving paradise. on Twitter Share Will the City be maintaining the nature based aspects of the trails and minimizing the use of paving as a solution? I agree with Jennifer L's comment as well. We can't keep paving paradise. on Linkedin Email Will the City be maintaining the nature based aspects of the trails and minimizing the use of paving as a solution? I agree with Jennifer L's comment as well. We can't keep paving paradise. link

    Will the City be maintaining the nature based aspects of the trails and minimizing the use of paving as a solution? I agree with Jennifer L's comment as well. We can't keep paving paradise.

    Lesley Crompton asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your email. Paving the trail is likely not an option as it will not hold up well to the ice and water floes the trail encounters in the spring. Please subscribe to this page to keep updated with important information. 

  • Share I have Giant Hogweed along both sides of the Grand River. Will it be eradicated with this project? on Facebook Share I have Giant Hogweed along both sides of the Grand River. Will it be eradicated with this project? on Twitter Share I have Giant Hogweed along both sides of the Grand River. Will it be eradicated with this project? on Linkedin Email I have Giant Hogweed along both sides of the Grand River. Will it be eradicated with this project? link

    I have Giant Hogweed along both sides of the Grand River. Will it be eradicated with this project?

    Andersa asked 7 months ago

    Please contact our Corporate Contact Centre 519-741-2345, they can than direct this to our operations staff to have it taken care of.

  • Share More of a suggestion than a question. Is it possible, in the disturbed areas that will probably occur as a result of the work, that native pollinator plants could be planted to establish more habitat and create more beauty. It is also in line with being a "Bee Region" on Facebook Share More of a suggestion than a question. Is it possible, in the disturbed areas that will probably occur as a result of the work, that native pollinator plants could be planted to establish more habitat and create more beauty. It is also in line with being a "Bee Region" on Twitter Share More of a suggestion than a question. Is it possible, in the disturbed areas that will probably occur as a result of the work, that native pollinator plants could be planted to establish more habitat and create more beauty. It is also in line with being a "Bee Region" on Linkedin Email More of a suggestion than a question. Is it possible, in the disturbed areas that will probably occur as a result of the work, that native pollinator plants could be planted to establish more habitat and create more beauty. It is also in line with being a "Bee Region" link

    More of a suggestion than a question. Is it possible, in the disturbed areas that will probably occur as a result of the work, that native pollinator plants could be planted to establish more habitat and create more beauty. It is also in line with being a "Bee Region"

    Jennifer Leat asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for email and suggestion. I will pass this suggestion onto the project team. 

  • Share Hello. My family are frequent users of this (and other) trails in Kitchener. We live west of the Grand River, so typically drive to a convenient point to cross the Grand River to access this part of the Walter Bean trail. Is there consideration in this project to add another pedestrian bridge - preferably to Homer Watson Park (with close access to the parking lot at the end of Huron Road)? on Facebook Share Hello. My family are frequent users of this (and other) trails in Kitchener. We live west of the Grand River, so typically drive to a convenient point to cross the Grand River to access this part of the Walter Bean trail. Is there consideration in this project to add another pedestrian bridge - preferably to Homer Watson Park (with close access to the parking lot at the end of Huron Road)? on Twitter Share Hello. My family are frequent users of this (and other) trails in Kitchener. We live west of the Grand River, so typically drive to a convenient point to cross the Grand River to access this part of the Walter Bean trail. Is there consideration in this project to add another pedestrian bridge - preferably to Homer Watson Park (with close access to the parking lot at the end of Huron Road)? on Linkedin Email Hello. My family are frequent users of this (and other) trails in Kitchener. We live west of the Grand River, so typically drive to a convenient point to cross the Grand River to access this part of the Walter Bean trail. Is there consideration in this project to add another pedestrian bridge - preferably to Homer Watson Park (with close access to the parking lot at the end of Huron Road)? link

    Hello. My family are frequent users of this (and other) trails in Kitchener. We live west of the Grand River, so typically drive to a convenient point to cross the Grand River to access this part of the Walter Bean trail. Is there consideration in this project to add another pedestrian bridge - preferably to Homer Watson Park (with close access to the parking lot at the end of Huron Road)?

    dadema asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your question. For this project we do not have plans to add a pedestrian bridge over the Grand River. The focus for this project is to bring this section of the Walter Bean Trail back to a useable trail and remove the "hiking only". 

  • Share Are you considering moving the trail back as far as possible from the river? The spring surge of ice and water is a powerful force as seen in recent years. It would have to be a very strongly built reinforcement of the trail to resist this. Maybe better to re-align the trail if possible? on Facebook Share Are you considering moving the trail back as far as possible from the river? The spring surge of ice and water is a powerful force as seen in recent years. It would have to be a very strongly built reinforcement of the trail to resist this. Maybe better to re-align the trail if possible? on Twitter Share Are you considering moving the trail back as far as possible from the river? The spring surge of ice and water is a powerful force as seen in recent years. It would have to be a very strongly built reinforcement of the trail to resist this. Maybe better to re-align the trail if possible? on Linkedin Email Are you considering moving the trail back as far as possible from the river? The spring surge of ice and water is a powerful force as seen in recent years. It would have to be a very strongly built reinforcement of the trail to resist this. Maybe better to re-align the trail if possible? link

    Are you considering moving the trail back as far as possible from the river? The spring surge of ice and water is a powerful force as seen in recent years. It would have to be a very strongly built reinforcement of the trail to resist this. Maybe better to re-align the trail if possible?

    Steve S asked 7 months ago

    Thank you for your question. Not all land around the trail is City property. We do not plan to move the trail onto private property. We will do our best to come up with the best solution so that the trail can withstand the spring surges that it currently sees. 

Page last updated: 24 Oct 2023, 10:53 AM