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KAGAWONG—Due to significant safety concerns, Billings township council is imploring local residents and visitors to obey the signs notifying them of the closure of the Bridal Veil Falls trails due to the extensive damage sustained on the trails with the significant flooding incident that took place in April.

“I don’t want members of the public to expect or think that the (Bridal Veil Falls) trails are going to be open in a month,” stated Billings Councillor Ian Anderson at a council meeting last week. “As has been alluded already tonight, there has been a tremendous amount of damage done to the trails. It will be a tremendous task to get everything back in shape and it could take a long time to make the trail system safe. Currently it is not in shape and definitely not safe for people to use. The amount of damage done to the trails, the foot bridge and other area is very significant.”

Councilor Anderson stated, “some of this damage is beyond our ability as a municipality to repair.” He pointed out there are massive holes in the walking path, and at least one area where there is a six-foot hole extending 30-40 feet long on the trail that needs to be repaired. “I have been here over 50 years, and I have definitely not seen anything like this before.”

“It’s a disaster,” stated Councillor David Hillyard. He noted that not having the trail system in place not only affects the township but tourists coming to Billings and Manitoulin and the businesses that rely on that traffic. The spinoff will affect local businesses and other communities as well.

The comments from members of council were made after municipal staff and members of council walked the Kagawong River Trail May 27 from the trailhead to the falls to assess damage resulting from recent flooding.

“The assessment found that the trail on the west side of the river has sustained significant damage,” said Mayor Barker in a prepared statement. “Numerous trees have fallen into the river, creating large log jams, including debris piled against the pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian bridge itself is no longer connected to the east side of the river.”

“Water levels remain high, and the riverbed has experienced substantial changes,” said Mayor Barker. “In many areas, the channel is deeper than normal and has lost much of its previous structure. The combination of log jams, swift-mowing water, and unstable river conditions creates a serious safety hazard should anyone fall into the river. In addition, several sections of the trail have been completely washed away.”

“Despite barriers and no-trespassing notices being in place, there is evidence that some individuals have continued to access the trail. Council is asking all residents and visitors to respect the posted signage and stay off the trail for their own safety,” continued Mayor Barker. “Restricting access will also allow staff to properly assess the damage and begin planning for repairs. “

Mayor Barker explained, “At this time, it is too early to determine the full extent of the damage or provide a timeline for reopening the trail. A more thorough assessment is required before decisions can be made regarding repairs and future public access. The municipality appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as this work continues.”

A staff report June 3, noted that council is aware of the weather events leading up to and during April 12-13, 2026, and the severe damage caused to private property as well as public spaces and infrastructure. This included the Lower Kagawong River and the trail system, including the pedestrian bridge.

“On May 27, a small group of staff and councillors participated in an observational walk along the river trail from the river mouth to the falls. The purpose was to simply take-in, first-hand, the changes in the river itself, as well as the extend of trail damage,” the staff report explains. “Seija Deschenes, project coordinator for Manitoulin Streams, was invited to attend. Unfortunately, a seasonal fundraiser workload prevented her from attending. Staff will connect with Seija for a similar walk-through.”

The report noted, “Discussion on the walk was limited to shared observation about the substantial river change and the damage. Everyone agreed with the importance of continuing to make the public aware that the trail hazards are real, trails need to remain closed, and repairs will take time, planning and resources.”

High resolution aerial imagery, captured by Mile High Aerial Imagery Inc. in a pro-bono drone flight conducted on May 15, will assist both the municipality and ecological restoration partner, Manitoulin Streams, in assessing damage, priority etc. moving forward, the report continued.

Key takeaways from the walk provided, “in spite of water levels, and velocity, the west side trail sustained less overall damage on the lower sections than anticipated. However, near the pedestrian bridge, the damage was substantial; the bridge, including approaches and abutments, experienced extreme damage and continues to be exposed to further damage, there is a very high number of uprooted trees caught on the up-stream side; some parts of the Manitoulin Streams restoration sites fared okay. Careful reassessment is going to be required. A half dozen plus sections of the upper trail, beyond the generation station, will require significant reconstruction. Challenges will include limited access for machinery.”

The staff report, submitted by Todd Gordon, municipal projects manager, suggested next steps to include: follow-through with an additional assessment with Manitoulin Streams, include aerial imagery as appropriate; determine immediate, critical, river tree removal priorities; solicit quotes for tree removal services; determine Class D cost estimates for trail repairs; solicit quotes for engineering assessment of the pedestrian bridge; report to council as appropriate.”

It was further noted that repairing the trail system will be costly, although a more accurate sense of cost will only be available with a more detailed assessment and analysis. There may be funding available to access, but it is premature to determine what form this might take, amounts available, program criteria, etc.

“Conducting any significant repairs in this fiscal year, exclusive of any immediately available external funding, will most certainly have significant financial impact, none of this has been budgeted for in the current year. Depending on progress, trail repairs will conceivably be a major consideration for council in future budget deliberations,” the staff report reads.

It was suggested by Councillor John Foster to see the trails blocked. 

Councillor Anderson indicated he likes staff’s suggestions for the six next steps in the process. “They made common sense and is what needs to be done next.” 

It was suggested by Councillor Hillyard there may be potential funding available for the repairs that need to be done for the trails and CAO/Clerk Veronique Dion said staff will look into whether the township can tap into the municipal disaster recovery assistance program set up by the province. 

“We also need to get the word out everywhere that the trails are not open, that Bridal Veil Falls is not open,” stated Councillor Hillyard. “The Expositor has done a great job in reporting on the problems and issues with the trails, but the word is still not getting out to everyone because people are still doing what they have to, to access the trails,” he said, suggesting notices should be posted on the township social media and on radio. 

However, Mayor Barker noted that similar to the COVID-19 pandemic when the falls were closed, keeping people from the trails was an exercise in futility. “People ripped down the signs and plywood indicating they were closed, despite newspaper and social media posts and promotions during COVID. It seems that regardless of what we do, it will not keep people out; people will get down there if they want.” 

It was suggested by Councillor Hillyard that barricades should be installed. 
“We want the falls viewing platforms open,” said Mayor Barker. “That way people can at least view the falls, but that plan is not etched in stone. If people abuse this request then we may have to close off the viewing platform as well.”

Billings Fire Chief Martin Connell informed council that, “as for any rescues, I walked the upper trail and to rescue someone it would be almost impossible (at this point in time).”

Councillor Hillyard asked if there could be fines put in place for those people that use the trails when they are closed. “I will bring this up at the next (Manitoulin) police committee meeting and ask if more patrols could be provided in the area. It may come to the point we have to look at some kind of enforcement put in place.”

Council accepted the preliminary assessment and next steps for the Kagawong River Trails, and that council provide direction to staff to look at further measures related to trail closure and restricting public access, and that council direct staff to implement the initial stages of trail repairs and river clean-up.