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"It seems that Council's contributions to trail development are just
the beginnings of a rolling snowball that grows larger and larger
through community support and interest," said Dave Cheer, when he
presented the Parks & Trails Advisory Committee update to Council on
Monday night.
The goal of the Saugeen Rail Trail and the Grey Bruce Trails Network,
who work closely together, is to have a continuous 35 km loop trail
surrounding the entire community in addition to many side trails. The
side trails would connect various points of interest, such as the
beaches, to the main trail.
So far. over $100,000 in contributions of materials, money and land use
have been made and it would now appear that signage is a number one
priority. According to the committee, "Trail users, particularly from
out of town need direction, safety and sometimes become angry if clear
direction isn't marked."
Going into year five of a 10 year plan, several aspects of the plan have
been completed however, several items are still outstanding, including a
trail connecting MacGregor Point Park to the 4th concession,
construction in two location along the rail bed from Concession 6 to the
Town Line south of Port Elgin and sections of the Biener Ski Trail.
The most important development identified by the Committee for 2009 is
the Gore Drain between MacGregor and the 4th Concession. The committee
Monday night that Council set aside $75,000 to "... get the trail
underway." (next column)
13/01/2009 04:24 PM |
(continued)
In addition, the Committee will be presenting to
Council, in the near future, a set of recommended paved bike lane
shoulders, working with Public Works, Bruce County Highways and the
Advisory Committee.
Councillor, Dianne Huber questioned why, every time a
presentation came before Council it revolved around trails only. "Why
don't we get any reports about parks? This is the Parks & Trails
Committee isn't it? We have the issue of the upcoming Accessibility
Park, Fairy Lake needs work and, then, there is the Waterfront, but it's
always about trails."
Mike Myatt, Director of Community Services, explained that, Eastwood and
Jubliee Parks had, in fact, had their playground equipment upgraded at a
cost of approximately $50,000, because of safety issues. "The new
Accessibility Park planned for 2009 will be expensive, at around
$150,000 but part of the funding is expected to come through the
Trillium Foundation and fundraising."
Councillor Victoria Serda added that, "...we are only just beginning to
realize the value of trails for getting around. The Community
Improvement Committee may also be looking at park improvements and I
agree that there should be paved bike lanes."
Mayor Mike Smith also pointed out that, "Trails have also become a real
marketing tool for development."
 
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