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Hamilton Burlington Trails Study
A year long trail survey is being launched next Thursday in an effort to get a more whole understanding of Hamilton and Burlington's trail systems and who uses them.
The Hamilton Burlington Trails Council and McMaster University are heading the project, which will be one of the most extensive trail surveys ever conducted in Ontario, a press release said.
"We already know that trails play a role in improving well-being and quality of life in communities," said survey coordinator Alex Farquharson.
"Really, what we are trying to establish is how our trail network can be improved to better meet the needs of our population."
The survey aims to establish such things as:
Surveys will look specifically at putting together a whole interactive online map of the trails in the two cities, said Wayne Terryberry, HBTC chairperson and McMaster outdoor recreation coordinator.
"We're always finding we need to have more trail user information," he said.
Aside from information, Terryberry said the most important upgrade the trails require is accessibility and amenities like benches and washrooms for an aging population.
The survey groups are looking at other internationally recognized trails – Appalachian, Indianapolis, and Spain – as models for Hamilton and Burlington's paths.
But they're going to need input from locally surveyed trail-walkers, either online or in person, which is going to require volunteers.
Terryberry said the HBTC has between 12 and 15 volunteers for the summer, but they'll be looking for more now and over the course of the year.
"And we're asking those on the trails to take a few minutes out of their day to answer some questions," he said, adding that there was an online option for the impatient trailblazers.
The HBTC and McMaster will be holding an event on July 9th at 9:30 for the survey's launch. Terryberry will be in attendance along with Hamilton Coun. Aidan Johnson and Chris Firth-Eagland of the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
"We're so lucky. We've already got an incredibly scenic view on our trails," said Terryberry. "Now we just want to make sure we have an incredible trail experience."
Support the Kinghorn Trail Development Last fall we started an audit of the rail corridor. This audit captures the good, the bad and the ugly. Using the latest trail auditing software, we are able to capture all the issues that need to be fixed prior to opening the trail. We will finish the audit in the spring for the full length of the line. Please support us in building this legacy trail along Lake Superior. Even a small donation adds up and supports the capital required to upgrade the corridor for Northwestern Ontario's only rail trail!  We have plans to upgrade the railbed surface to accommodate trail users like cyclists, hikers, summer motorized use and snowmobiles in the winter months. As a full multi-use trail, we will be able to keep the trail in the public domain for future generations to enjoy. The rail line doesn't stop at Nipigon but then turns north towards Greenstone. There has been some interest in discussing this as an option but conversations need to occur. Please support this legacy project as we create an amazing trail alongside Lake Superior - the great inland sea. Ontario Trails Education  Healthy Hikes Program!  NTC Projects Underway in Ontario  |
Ontario boasts over 80,000 km in trails. Whether you're in downtown Toronto or North of Superior, we have a trail for you. The Ontario Trails Council is a registered charity, led by volunteers who promote the development, management, use and conservation of Ontario's trails. You'll find everything from gentle walking trails to rock faces for climbing and water routes to canoe and kayak.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Ontario Trails News - Hamilton Burlington Trails Study
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