Last Duel Park Boating and Docks
Last Duel Park Advisory Panel
The Last Duel Park Advisory Panel was created in 2020 by Town Council to help create a plan for the future of the park. The panel members meet monthly to discuss ideas for the park and they will present a suggested plan back to Council for discussion and approval in 2021. The Terms of Reference for the Panel explain their mandate.
To date, Council has approved the following Principles for the future of Last Duel Park :
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Be Connected | The park will be developed with respect for its natural and social setting with emphasis on providing access to the Tay River, connecting to the Rideau Trail, and ensuring connections to the surrounding neighbourhood and the wider Perth community. |
| Be Inclusive | The park will remain open to the public and provide opportunities for a wide range of users. The park infrastructure will ensure accessibility for people of varying physical abilities and will be in line with the Town's Accessiblity Plan. The park will provide opportunities for recreation and education. Park development will focus on a multiple-use approach. Facilities will have the potential to be used in various ways by various groups and we will encourage uses that do not inhibit other potential uses. |
| Be Environmentally Responsible | All plans will respect the ecological function of the park as an active flood plain. Green spaces will predominate. Opportunities for restoring native biodiversity and ecological functions will be pursued as will contributions to the Town’s Climate Action Plan. |
| Be a Cultural and Historical Landmark
|
The park will play a role in historical interpretation that shares the story of the place and its inhabitants including both Indigenous and settler stories. The park will provide opportunities for compatible contemporary cultural presentations. |
| Support Reconciliation | Opportunities will be provided to continue and enhance the park's new role as a site for reconciliation efforts and for contemporary Indigenous ceremonies. |
| Be a Destination | The park will become a destination that supports the Town of Perth’s tourism mandate and other compatible economic development objectives. |
| Be Financially Sustainable | Long term management and maintenance costs will be reasonable with consideration to revenue generation. Capital costs will consider potential sources of funding. |
Last Duel Park
Located just off Hwy. #43 on the Tay River, Last Duel Park is aptly named after the last and most infamous duel in Upper Canada, when Messrs. Lyon and Wilson battled over the honour of Miss Elizabeth Hughes. Now a peaceful, natural retreat, Last Duel Park consists of 27 acres with such features as public washrooms in the Gatehouse, public docks and boat launch, a picnic area and shelter. It’s the home of the Wendy Laut Ribbon of Life walking trail, and also several community events which take place here every year. Across from the docks you’ll see the Old Burying Grounds, which many people find useful for genealogical tours. The Burying Grounds is the resting place of William Lyon and many of Perth’s founding fathers.
Geocaching Adventure Lab
Did you know that Geocaching Adventure Lab goes through Last Duel Park? Geocaching Adventure Lab is a new app and platform that allows you to create, play and share location based experiences and games. Download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store and start exploring Last Duel Park in a new way!
Events
The Perth Rotary Club hosts an annual Ribfest and Music Festival every July in Last Duel Park. The Rotary Ribfest & Music Festival hosts ribbers, food vendors local music and much more!
The Tay Canal links Perth to the Rideau Lakes system. Many boaters enjoy the scenic trip up the canal to dock at Perth during the summer months. Overnight docking, shore power and access to washrooms is available by calling Karen Fox at 613-267-3311 Ext. 2279. Here are the 2020 rates:
Boating & Docking 2020
- Docking: $18.30 per night (21' and under)
- Docking: $23.70 per night (21'1" and over)
- Docking: $23.90 per foot (Commercial, includes HST, full season)
- Launch: $10.70 per launch
- Launch: $59.30 per season
- Shore Power: $5.40 per night
- Picnic Area/Shelter: $179.00 per day
- Security Deposit: $500.00 per event (refundable, large scale events)
*HST is included in the above fees
We’d be happy to help you plan your special event at Last Duel Park, just give us a call to discuss your plans and availability. Remember that Last Duel is a fantastic spot to drop in for an impromptu picnic, or a nice little walk along the river.
Friends of the Tay have put together some great information about navigating the river, found here Navigating the Tay Canal. It includes info on bridge heights and canal depths.
Please note that the campground closed in 2019.