No water fountains. Those who bring dogs of leash do it at their own risk

There is free parking and no fee!

I've seen tons of people fish on numerous occasions. I am not sure what type of fish or if they were successful! They usually go and stand right in the water or from the side on land.

You only need a permit if you want to use/separate the shelter for a picnic (There are two). You can use the rest of the area freely.

No the water is very shallow

No entrance fee and free parking :-)

Yes, but the adjacent parking lots are closed. It is possible to park on the street. Last Sunday, the trails were very muddy and icy in places . There were fewer people , but still it was not deserted. A group of Bruce-trail members all wore icers on their boots.

There are multiple by foot entry points, the main being from Dundas west of Neyagawa ( opp the Lawn cemetery), the road from Dundas winds down into the parking, be careful as you wind down into a right turning blind corner in your vehicle, there could be runners, cyclists or other vehicles coming up the incline. Enjoy

The stairs are indeed metal (can get slippery when it rains). They are open when the weather is nice and could be closed during winter months.