Even with miles of animal fencing combined with capped stone walls, animals were still at risk at the one break in the Wildlife Guide System (WGS). The level crossing between Terry Fox Drive and the railroad (Renfrew sub-division) cannot be blocked. Tunnel TCV2 was built as close as possible to the level crossing.
North of the railroad, water in the large pond laps against the eastern entrance of the animal tunnel (N 45° 19.944 W 075° 56.945). Even so, water does not flow through this culvert. TCV2 is designed only for wildlife. Being so close to the water, it is the crossing of choice for the frogs, the beavers and the snapping turtles. The gravel-floor tunnel is also used by raccoons, snakes, weasels, mice, rats, rabbits, birds, fishers, and porcupines. Of all the animal crossings for Terry Fox Drive, this one hosts the greatest variety of species.
Blanding's turtles have been documented using this tunnel. Published in the study cited below, a long-tailed weasel posed for a photograph while in this tunnel.
No parking is allowed near the railroad. It is not a busy railroad but it still hosts train traffic. I suggest that you use the distant parking lot at St Isabel Catholic School (N 45° 20.256 W 075° 56.52).
During the environmental studies which took place before the extension of Terry Fox Drive was built, it was discovered that harm would be done to the environment of a species at risk, the Blanding's turtles. One hundred Blanding's turtles were counted in the South March Highlands and the Kizell drainage areas. The movements of the turtles were tracked. Ten crossings under Terry Fox Drive were designed and constructed.
As part of a Wildlife Guide System, ten long box culverts were built under the four lane road. Three skylights were created in each culvert tunnel, allowing sunshine and improved airflow to warm up the concrete walls and cobblestone-and-gravel-and-soil floors for the cold-blooded animals. Stone walls and animal fencing were built between the tunnels, directing the animals to the crossings. This was likely the first time in Ontario that a WSG was developed before a road was built.
After the extension to Terry Fox Drive was opened to traffic in 2010, the Dillon Consulting group spent three years monitoring the animal traffic through the animal crossings and the reduction in road kills on Terry Fox Drive. Dillon Consulting's Wildlife Guide System Monitoring Study (2014) is available on line.