YMCA Camp Norval Remembered

The first photo is of the new interpretive signage that the Town installed this week on its newest section of the Hungry Hollow Trail. The trailheads can be found either at the end of Hall Road or on Beaumont Court at the east end of Georgetown. This section of trail runs through the former YMCA boys camp that was run by the Toronto West YMCA beginning in the late 1920s. The camp, known as Camp Norval

was owned by the YMCA until 1988. The Town of Halton Hills aquired the land in 1998.
Local resident Neil Shepherd collected information on the 'Old Y Camp' as part of project and passed the information over to the Town in the hope that some interpretive signage could be installed at the site. Thanks to Neil hikers can better understand the history of this part of Georgetown. Remnants of the camp are still visible. The second photo shows two concrete pads that support the piers for the Director's cabin. The interpretive sign is set amongst the piers. The sign shows a map of the camp and how it relates to the new developments in the area.
This is a relatively short section of trail but it does connect to an informal trail that one can follow further into the valley. The new trail is level and easy to walk. The informal trail includes a steep section that will require substantial work and more investment by the Town to make it easier for walkers. You can expect to see further developments next year if this project makes it through the budget process.
This month the trail access from Regan Crescent to the boardwalk trail east of Mountainview will be formally opened to the public.
If trail development is important to you, be sure to ask candidates in the municipal election if they will support further trail development during the up coming budget discussions.