Rec trail getting closer
THUNDER BAY, ONT. — A non-motorized recreational trail for three of the four seasons is closer to reality in O’Connor Township and bordering Conmee Township.
At two of the past three O’Connor council meetings, Fleming Road — the border road between O’Connor and Conmee — is being proposed as part of the Kakabeka Falls to Shabaqua Trail Route.
Both townships are tentatively in favour of the lengthened route, but more work still has to be done.
“It’s a work in progress,” said O’Connor Mayor Jim Vezina. “We like the concept. (The Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association and the townships) are sharing the trail. There’s some areas that aren’t going to be on the trail and some that are.
“We’re not involved in the planning of this at all. Literally, (The Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association) came to us to ask us our permission and, in general, we’re in favour of it.
“It’s like anything else. We’ve got to make sure the legalities stuff is taken care of and our ducks are all in a row. That’s kind of a stage we are at right now. (Len Day of The Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association) came to council a couple of meetings back and we said, ‘Yeah, we’re good with this’, but some of the areas are boundries with other municipalities, so before we’re going to get too deep, make sure you have those municipalities on board too.”
Vezina heard at a July 12 meeting that Conmee was tentatively on board as well.
“Basically, Conmee is in agreement with it in principle too, so now it’s a matter of us looking at the legal side of it,” said Vezina, who has been the O’Connor mayor since 2015. “We don’t mind supporting it, but we’re not going to pay for it and we’re not going to take liability for it.
“To me it looks like a wonderful idea, it looks like it will go through, but I’m not 100 per cent sure when all the i’s and t’s will be crossed and dotted.”
New Floating Walkway For Pukaskwa National Park
The new Hattie Cove Wetland Walkway in Pukaskwa National Park/Parks Canada
The new Hattie Cove Wetland Walkway has opened at Pukaskwa National Park in northern Ontario thanks to a $540,000 ($417,000 USD) federal investment.
Connecting visitors to the park’s popular Suspension Bridge Trail and Coastal Hiking Trail, the walkway was officially reopened in June with a blessing and sharing of stories on the significance of the site by Biigtigong Knowledge Keeper Donald Michano, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg Chief Duncan Michano and Parks Canada team members.
Through the federal infrastructure investment program, Parks Canada replaced an old boardwalk with a new, more sustainable structure.
“Countless visitors have enjoyed walking on the boardwalk through this special habitat while hiking the Coastal Hiking Trail,” Parks Canada said in a news release. “Water levels in the marsh vary with changing Lake Superior levels and natural processes, resulting in ongoing challenges for maintaining a safe and dry walkway for visitors.”
The new pre-fabricated floating walkway can move up and down with the changing water levels that occur with changing beaver activity in the wetland. Visitors can now keep their feet dry and avoid slips while allowing beavers to naturally maintain this important wetland.
Parks Canada said the replacement of this trail structure will enhance visitor experience, ensure ecological integrity is maintained and reduce maintenance requirements.
“The new marshland walkway will give the visitors and local residents from Biigtigong and Marathon the opportunity to observe and enjoy the abundant and diverse wildlife that thrives in these types of wetlands,” Duncan Mishano, chief of Biigtigong Nishnaabeg, said in a news release.
Paving The Waterford Heritage Trail Is Still A Hot Topic At Town Hall - NORFOLK TODAY
The Waterford Heritage Trail was once again a hot topic in the council chambers.
Two concerned residents, Terry Hannam and Heidi Nabert, spoke on the issue, followed by Andy Kooistra, a member of the board looking to pave the trail.
That was Hannam, who also said paving the trail would be unlawful.
Nabert agreed.
This item was back on the agenda because the group looking to pave the trail received a $450,000 federal grant to cover most of the $600,000 required for the project. The only issue with this is that the pavement would need to be installed by March 2023 for the grant to go through.
Kooistra spoke to council and addressed some of the concerns brought up.
This issue will be brought forward to the Advisory Committee for further discussion.
Staff was also asked to get legal advice before the group moves forward with any decisions.
Written by Ashley Taylor
Orangeville Brampton Railway acquisition finalized
The Region of Peel, City of Brampton, Town of Caledon and City of Mississauga have finalized the acquisition of approximately 51km of the former Orangeville Brampton Railway.
The purchase was funded from the Region’s Greenlands Securement Program, and have largely been transferred to the local municipalities, who will manage the multi-year process of developing the future of the lands, from design to construction and ongoing maintenance.
The acquisition is an example of partnership between the Region and local municipalities, which will benefit the health and wellness of the community, support local business and become a significant regional tourism asset.
It also provides a protected corridor for future utility needs and the opportunity to secure a strategic north-south connection, of the Trans Canada Trail System.
Dignitaries from each of the municipal partners were in attendance at a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Region to commemorate the acquisition.
“This is an exciting day for The Town of Orangeville, the Region of Peel and all of those who support Active Transportation, ” said Orangeville Mayor Sandy Brown.
“The Town of Orangeville knows this valuable piece of infrastructure will be in good hands with our Region of Peel partners. Many thanks to the municipal staff, advisors and Councillors who were involved in this process. We need to call upon our provincial and federal governments to help us turn this asset into a world class tourism asset.”
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