The tour will be preceded by a brief (20 minute max.) orientation talk outlining the geography of the area, the land-use and environmental issues of concern, and how the proposed route has been selected so as to bring some of these issues out of the classroom and into sharp an particular focus.

2. Route between LaSalle Park and Laking Gardens
Transition from agriculture to commercial/industrial/residential land use. First encounter with the sensitive regional issue of Waterdown Road.

3. Grindstone Creek Estuary, Royal Botanical Gardens Nature Trails.
Observe the RAP partnership initiatives for the restoration of fish rearing areas in the Grindstone estuary. The valley is prominent area for nesting and migrating birds, prime tree specimens, varied habitat (aquatic,terrestrial). Marked trails offer recreational opportunities and link conveniently with other RBG Gardens , parking and arterial roads. Halton Ceramics redevelopment at Unsworth St.

4. Route to and tour of Waterdown. Refreshment stop.
Tour of Waterdown area to view new development. Refreshment stop at Tim Horton's (Waterdown Plaza). Like the GSA area, portions of this land are being held for eventual redevelopment. Some hobby farms,privacy acreages, Conservation Authority property, Institutions, cemeteries. Impacts of growing urban population in Flamborough (Waterdown) on Aldershot area. Political dimensions thereof.

5. Smoky Hollow
Historical importance of Grindstone Creek as a source of industrial power (Waterdown, Ancaster, Dundas etc.). Geology of the area: erosion and gorge formation: how water has shaped the terrain and diversified (and recently protected) the natural habitat. Recreational potential: The Bruce Trail passes through this area - hikers help to preserve the natural habitat and stress it at the same time. Vehicle traffic on Waterdown Road, crowding Smoky Hollow, is increasing because of residential development in Waterdown, its access to Highway 403, and the expanded commuter train service available further down Waterdown Road

6. Sassafras Woods
This is one of the largest remnant of the Carolinian forest at the limit of its northern extension because of the south-facing slope and rich soils. Considerable scientific interest as an ecological indicator of global warming/climate change. Most of this land is privately owned and plans for development may conflict with efforts to preserve this disappearing natural heritage.

7. Railway yards and Go Station, Grindstone Settlement Area, Mountain Brow Road, Bayview Park.
Rail yards and Go Station
Renovated and expanded transportation corridor connecting Canada's industrial heartland to domestic and foreign markets. Commuter train facilities may take pressure off highways but puts pressure on local roads and encourages local residential development
Grindstone Settlement Area
A large tract of former agricultural land recently approved for "soft" development: Regional planning with respect to this development. Impact on the natural environment. Potential for even more traffic on Waterdown Road.
Mountain Brow Road
Contains an enclave of high value homes. Farmland purchased for development with owners seeking approval for residential development with perhaps as many as 3000 homes. More traffic for Waterdown Road and/or King Road, potential impact of storm water on Grindstone Creek.
Bayview Park
Panoramic view of Golden Horseshoe (western end of Lake Ontario). Opportunity to consider Aldershot in the context of the larger megalopolis. Burlington's new suburb, Milton: the importance of The Burlington Sewage Treatment Plant. Possible north-south road in King Road vicinity as alternative to expansion of Waterdown Road

8. Mapleview Mall
Reclaimed land (old landfills). Former clay extraction. Industrial sites. Environmental and social impacts of large malls High density urban development (townhouses)

9. An Aldershot residential street
Former prime market garden land. That distinguishing feature of established residential areas in Aldershot: the ravine Water services: supply, sewage, Would we do this differently today? Compare features of development on Shadeland with proposed Grindstone Settlement Area planning parameters. Urban wildlife, pleasure or nuisance? Responsibilities of property owner/occupier for good environmental manners.

10. Wrap Up
Participants arrive in time to partake of refreshments and to debrief and evaluate the tour via questionnaire and/or verbal comments.

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