Memorial Park Trail Connection Expands Access To Rouge National Urban Park

The Town of Stouffville, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Parks Canada and The Regional Municipality of York celebrated the completion of the Stouffville-Rouge trail connection today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Memorial Park.

The new trail section, located west of Thicketwood Boulevard, connects the multi-use trail on the north side of Park Drive to the Stouffville-Rouge Trail network south of Hoover Park Drive. The completed connection strengthens Stouffville’s growing trail system and provides greater access to Rouge National Urban Park and the broader regional trail network.

“This new connection gives residents and visitors more opportunities to get outside, explore our community and experience the incredible natural spaces surrounding Stouffville,” said Mayor Iain Lovatt. “We are proud to celebrate this important addition to our trail network and grateful to TRCA, Parks Canada and York Region for working alongside us to bring it to life.”

The project was completed through a partnership between the Town and TRCA, with support from York Region and Parks Canada. Work began in September 2025 and included the construction of the new trail connection and associated site improvements. Additional restoration work, including tree and shrub plantings, is planned for later in 2026.

"This project demonstrates what partnership can achieve for communities and the natural environment. By closing a key gap in the trail network, we're improving access to nature and strengthening connections between neighbourhoods, downtown Stouffville, and Rouge National Urban Park,” says John MacKenzie, CEO, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

“Connected trails like this one that are part of TRCA’s Trail Strategy for the Greater Toronto Region support healthy communities and a deeper appreciation for our shared natural heritage.

We're proud to work alongside the Town of Stouffville, York Region, Parks Canada, and all of the dedicated staff whose collaboration turned a shared vision into a real community asset."

“Advancing a connected and accessible active transportation network in York Region is an important priority for York Regional Council, outlined in our Transportation Master Plan,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Eric Jolliffe. “York Region is proud to have contributed more than $1 million to the construction of this project and to have collaborated with partners in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority to expand active transportation opportunities for everyone who calls our communities home.”

The trail is now open for residents and visitors to enjoy. Users are encouraged to respect the natural environment, follow posted signage and share the trail safely with others.

For more information about the project, visit townofws.ca/memorialparktrail.