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Walter Bean Trail Improvements

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This project is now archived. The project experienced significant and unavoidable delays. As a result, it is no longer moving forward according to the original scope and timeline. We are pausing all public engagement indefinitely. If you have questions, please contact the Parks and Cemeteries Division at WalterBeanTrail@kitchener.ca. More information about Walter Bean and other Kitchener trails can be found at kitchener.ca


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.

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

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’.

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.

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

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’.

This project is now archived. The project experienced significant and unavoidable delays. As a result, it is no longer moving forward according to the original scope and timeline. We are pausing all public engagement indefinitely. If you have questions, please contact the Parks and Cemeteries Division at WalterBeanTrail@kitchener.ca. More information about Walter Bean and other Kitchener trails can be found at kitchener.ca


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

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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).

  • Share Hi, There is a section of closed trail from Bingemans to Shirley Ave. Can you please tell me why that section is taking so long to fix. on Facebook Share Hi, There is a section of closed trail from Bingemans to Shirley Ave. Can you please tell me why that section is taking so long to fix. on Twitter Share Hi, There is a section of closed trail from Bingemans to Shirley Ave. Can you please tell me why that section is taking so long to fix. on Linkedin Email Hi, There is a section of closed trail from Bingemans to Shirley Ave. Can you please tell me why that section is taking so long to fix. link

    Hi, There is a section of closed trail from Bingemans to Shirley Ave. Can you please tell me why that section is taking so long to fix.

    Nancy Ayer asked 3 months ago
    This section of the Walter Bean Trail from Bingeman Centre Drive to Riverbend Drive is closed due to the erosion of the trail caused by an upstream undersized culvert. The area of trail that is eroding is on Ministry of Transportation owned land. The Ministry of Transportation is currently working on a design which includes a culvert replacement, slope stabilization, as well as ditch clean out and drainage channel improvements to the culvert outlet at Shirley Avenue to the eroded section of trail.

     The construction start date is tentatively planned for Spring/Summer 2025 (subject to change) with a construction completion by October/November 2025. 

  • Share As a Kitchener resident who uses the Grand River trail system a lot, I see SO much poison ivy immediately bordering the trials, sometimes leading back into entire groves of it. These patches just grow larger and larger each year especially with the constant trimming done with the mower. As this is an invasive plant and highly toxic (far more to some than others), why is nothing being done about this like the giant hogweed? on Facebook Share As a Kitchener resident who uses the Grand River trail system a lot, I see SO much poison ivy immediately bordering the trials, sometimes leading back into entire groves of it. These patches just grow larger and larger each year especially with the constant trimming done with the mower. As this is an invasive plant and highly toxic (far more to some than others), why is nothing being done about this like the giant hogweed? on Twitter Share As a Kitchener resident who uses the Grand River trail system a lot, I see SO much poison ivy immediately bordering the trials, sometimes leading back into entire groves of it. These patches just grow larger and larger each year especially with the constant trimming done with the mower. As this is an invasive plant and highly toxic (far more to some than others), why is nothing being done about this like the giant hogweed? on Linkedin Email As a Kitchener resident who uses the Grand River trail system a lot, I see SO much poison ivy immediately bordering the trials, sometimes leading back into entire groves of it. These patches just grow larger and larger each year especially with the constant trimming done with the mower. As this is an invasive plant and highly toxic (far more to some than others), why is nothing being done about this like the giant hogweed? link

    As a Kitchener resident who uses the Grand River trail system a lot, I see SO much poison ivy immediately bordering the trials, sometimes leading back into entire groves of it. These patches just grow larger and larger each year especially with the constant trimming done with the mower. As this is an invasive plant and highly toxic (far more to some than others), why is nothing being done about this like the giant hogweed?

    illona asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for this message. Here is a response from our Natural Areas Project Manager.

    Poison Ivy thrives in disturbed places, such as the edges of our woodlands, and trails, such as the Grand River Trail. Many native herbivores use Poison Ivy leaves for food, and birds and small mammals consume the berries. If we try to pull or spray it, we are creating more of the conditions this plant loves, while destroying the more sensitive neighboring plants. An eradication plan for large populations of Poison Ivy requires full-scale site restoration over several years. Currently, our noxious weed management program is focused on isolated populations of Poison Ivy and Giant Hogweed. Please continue to report sightings of Poison Ivy to our Communications Center at 519-741-2345.

     In the meantime, we are looking into additional signage so trail users can learn to recognize Poison Ivy; teach others to recognize it; and avoid contact with it.

  • 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 12 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 12 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 about 1 year 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 about 1 year 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 about 1 year 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 about 1 year 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 about 1 year 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 about 1 year ago

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