Trail along Sixteen Mile Creek closed for slope stabilization, reopening expected fall 2026

What happened to the trail

The Sixteen Mile Creek Heritage Trail runs along the west embankment of the Sixteen Mile Creek valley. The Town of Oakville says the slope has had repeated failures, mostly in its upper section between the trail and Fourth Line. Natural erosion has sent rock and shale fragments onto the pathway, and fallen trees and vegetation have blocked it.

The Town closed the trail segment just south of Dundas Road and east of Fourth Line due to safety concerns. The closure remains in effect while remediation is designed and built.

What the Town is doing

The Town's project goal is to stabilize the slope with an engineered design and reopen the Heritage Trail. The project area covers about 1.0 hectare (2.47 acres). WSP is the consultant.

Environmental constraints

Construction must avoid critical nesting and breeding periods for sensitive local species, per Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Conservation Halton requirements. The project also requires environmental permits and approvals under the Conservation Authorities Act and the Endangered Species Act.

Timeline

The Town's project page targets completion by fall 2026. The tendering step was targeted for the end of 2025. The page does not state a construction start date.