Connections: Strategic planning for a County-wide trails network

Braadford Times January 28 2011
When Simcoe County was settled by the Huron-Wendat, experts estimate there were over 200 miles of known overland trails, linking settlements and hunting camps.

European settlers created new land routes – the Penetanguishene Rd., Gloucester Rd., Coldwater Rd. – and rail lines that criss-crossed the County.
Now, with a greater focus on the importance of “active transportation” for a healthy population, and to meet the recreation needs of its residents, the County of Simcoe is developing new linkages – and on January 19, held a public Open House at the Bradford Community Centre Auditorium, to present a Simcoe County Trails Strategy.
An estimated 32% of adults over the age of 18 in Simcoe County are overweight, 21% are obese – and a sedentary lifestyle is the chief culprit. Inactivity costs the health care system in the County an estimated $5.1 billion per year.
Encouraging “Active Transportation” – walking, running, cycling, skiing, skateboarding – is part of the County’s strategy to promote healthy lifestyles – and a connected trail system is a key component of that strategy. Trails are also an economic driver, attracting tourism dollars, providing environmental benefits and educational opportunities.
At present, though, there are gaps in the County’s 255 km trail system – and one of the largest gaps is in the stretch from Barrie to Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury.
The Simcoe County Trails Strategy proposes a “well-connected trail network” that fills the gaps, including a future trail along County Rd. 4 (Yonge St.), that could be constructed at the same time as the County road-widening – but that’s not firm, says Director of Planning & Development Bryan Mackell. “We’re looking for trail enthusiasts, groups, cyclists, municipalities” to provide feedback, and possibly identify alternative routes, he says. “It would be the residents of Innisfil, Bradford West Gwillimbury, to say hey, that looks good!” – or to suggest an alternative route.
For Mackell, municipal involvement is key to the development of linkages. The County, over the past year, has spent more than $400,000 supporting municipal connecting trail links, such as the Coldwater-Tay trail.
The County has also been looking at a trail design and maintenance manual to provide guidance for municipalities and volunteers, and is currently developing “comprehensive maps” that will identify vistas, points of interest, historical markers, and other tourism-related features, including camp sites, along its trails. “We think it could be a very exciting proposal,” Mackell says.
“The demographics of Simcoe County is changing dramatically,” he notes, with more young families looking for family outings, and more active, healthy retirees. “They want this kind of facility. You’re getting that demand.”
Mackell admits that it will take time to develop a comprehensive trails network, providing a loop around the County, and linking the current isolated stretch of the Trans Canada Trail, which runs from Thornton to Cookstown. “I would like to say tomorrow, but I’m impatient.”
Realistically, the County hopes to complete the Tay-Coldwater loop within 2 years, and an Innisfil-Bradford West Gwillimbury route in the next 5 years.
Mackell has praise for BWG’s Trails Master Plan Study, released last year. “It’s a great document. It lays it out,” starting with local trails connecting urban parks, then looking at the bigger picture -linking up the rest of the municipality, Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, and outside trails systems. “This is not something that’s going to happen overnight.”
The County is looking for input on its Trails Strategy. See trails.simcoe.ca or call 705-735-6901 or 1-800-263-3199 for more information, or to have a say.