Heading over to the Robert Edmondson Conservation Area to do what I thought would be my second hike of the day. I started to think about the sexual harassment course I completed for a seasonal job that I have. The course highlighted situations of sexual harassment which have been so commonplace at many of my previous jobs, that I didn’t even think it was sexual harassment! Once I went to a sales manager to ask him a question related to his team, he started by looking at my chest and then down my body, finally commenting, “You have such a pretty dress on why are you wearing those shoes?” I ignored the comment and proceeded to ask my question. Some people might argue that he was “giving me a compliment,” but when you feel uncomfortable with someone analyzing your body it no longer becomes a “compliment.” Did this warrant a complaint to HR? Perhaps this situation and others I’ll describe in future posts (Hilton Falls) should have been reported to HR, but when it’s the people at the top doing it, you start to feel less like you can go to HR.
Why are you sharing this with us? We just want to know about the park. Hiking works on both your body as well as your mind, and for me, it’s been giving me back my voice.
Out of the seven Halton Parks, Robert Edmondson Conservation Area is by far the smallest. Away from the busy crowds at the other six parks, it allows you the opportunity to spend some time reflecting, meditating or enjoying a picnic around the reservoir.
Getting to Robert Edmondson Conservation Area
Driving down First Line, slightly tucked in there is a hidden driveway with a sign. There is no entrance gate, rather a box to grab your permit envelope where you place your money into and slip into the opening of the box. Make sure to keep the permit portion of the envelope on your car dash. Since I already paid for a permit that day, I was able to use it again.
As I looked around there was no one in the parking lot, so I knew there wasn’t anyone at the reservoir. Definitely, a sign since the reservoir was practically dried up and no one could be seen walking along the boardwalk. Rather than hike around the park, I snapped a few photos then left. I’m sure at the right time of season the reservoir looks beautiful but in August it was dried up.
Things to Know Before You Go
- I drove past the entrance, so it’s not the most apparent
- There are no washrooms
- Your daily entrance fee receipt provides access to ALL Halton Parks for that same day, so if you can hit up multiple parks.
- Parking is included with your park pass, so just display it on your dashboard
- The hiking isn’t difficult
Total Cost = $0 CAD
- We already paid admission at another park, but typically $7 CAD is the price
