County of Brant wants your feedback about a new way to connect with nature in Oakland

The County of Brant is exploring a new way to connect with nature in Oakland through the development of a nature trail and wildlife observation deck at Smith Mill Pond.

The proposed project would give residents another place to walk, enjoy the outdoors and experience the natural environment close to home.

The project is in the early design stage and has been included in the County's 2026 budget. Before the design is finalized, we want to hear from the community about the proposed concept and what should be considered as the project moves forward.

What is being proposed?

The proposed 370 metre trail would follow a section of the former Lake Erie and Northern Railway corridor through an area that is currently farmed and leads to Smith Mill Pond.

At the pond, a new wooden observation deck would provide a place to stop, enjoy the view, and observe local wildlife.

The current concept includes:

• A stone dust trail surface
• A wooden observation deck overlooking Smith Mill Pond
• Entry and wayfinding signage
• Interpretive signage highlighting the area's natural features and railway history
• Limited parking, with additional on-street parking available nearby

View the draft concept design.

Planning and Engagement

As the project develops, the County is considering the natural environment, local history and feedback from the community and Indigenous Partners.

We are reaching out to Indigenous Partners to share information about the proposed project and invite their feedback. Any feedback received will be considered as the project design develops.

Potential impacts on wildlife and habitat are also being considered as part of the project's planning and design. We are consulting with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), and any required permits or approvals will be identified and applied for at the appropriate stage of the project.

Why that location?

The County currently maintains the LE & N Trail between Brantford and Mt. Pleasant. The former rail corridor also extends through Oakland, where it crosses farmed fields near the eastern edge of the village and ends at Smith Mill Pond.

The railway once continued south across a bridge at the pond. While the bridge no longer exists, one of the original bridge abutments will be incorporated into the proposed observation deck. Interpretive information would also help tell the story of the former railway route.

There are no plans to construct a new bridge or extend the trail across the pond to Jenkins Road.

A new trail in this location was identified in the County's 2017 Trails Master Plan. The proposed project presents an opportunity to create a unique section of trail in Oakland and provide greater local access to nature and Smith Mill Pond.

Read a full list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Share your thoughts

The project is still in the design stage, which means there are important decisions where community feedback can make a difference.

Complete the survey

The survey closes Friday, October 2, 2026.

Property boundaries and the general route of the proposed trail are already established and are not part of the current engagement but your feedback will help the project team:

• Understand community interest
• Identify concerns and opportunities
• Inform how the project moves forward

Visit the Open House

Join the project team at an upcoming Open House to learn more, view the proposed concept plan, ask questions and share your feedback.

• Wednesday, September 23, 2026
• 6:30 to 8:00 pm
• Oakland Community Centre, 3 King Street in Oakland

Can't attend? Complete the survey above or review the project information, view the draft concept design, and share your feedback.

Once the engagement period closes, the project team will review all feedback received. We will share a summary of what we heard with the community and explain how your feedback helped inform the next steps for the project.

For more information about trails in the County of Brant, please visit brant.ca/trails.

Stay Informed 

Updates and announcements will be posted through Engage Brant. Get more information and subscribe to receive email updates at EngageBrant.ca/OaklandTrail.