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How
did this project begin?
The
concept of a multi-use trail along the CN corridor was
identified as a goal of the Municipal Council as far back
as 1987. When developing recreational policies for the
Town of Fort Erie Official Plan, a number of opportunities
for enhancing the existing recreational facilities in
the Town were identified, one being a trail corridor connecting
the wide-spread communities and parks throughout the Town.
The abandoned CN corridor was identified as a prime location
for such a trail. As well, the Town Master Recreation
Plan (1992) identified the CN corridor as a possible future
recreational trail location. In January 1999, with the
assistance of the Region of Niagara, the Town acquired
the entire former CNR corridor from Holloway Bay Road
to Kraft Road, at a cost of $42,000.
What
stage is the project at?
The
trail will ultimately extend 16 kms between Holloway Bay
Road in the west and Old Fort Erie in the east, where it connects to the Niagara Parks Recreational trail. 15 kms of trail have
been constructed to date, and the final kilometer is currently under construction. This final section of trail, located in the vicinity of Erie Beach/Waverly Beach is expected to be completed by the Fall of 2007.
| Did
you know? |
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The
idea to build a multi-use trail on the old CNR corridor
dates way back to 1987!
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How
was the trail construction funded?
Town
of Fort Erie Council
Town Council has allocated funds to this project yearly since 1999.
Regional Municipality of Niagara
The Region is a financial partner in this project, as
it provides an important link in the
Greater Niagara Circle Route. The Region has contributed over $1 million to the Fort Erie section of the Friendship Trail.
Fort Erie Friendship Trail Citizens' Advisory
Committee
The Committee has been hard at work
since 2000 soliciting donations from community organizations, private
companies, and individuals. Over $200,000 has been raised
to date.
Federal/Provincial Grants
The Federal and Provincial Governments have awarded
the Town over $390,000 for construction of portions of the Friendship Trail.
What
types of uses are permitted on the trail?
The
trail is multi-use and barrier-free. It is accessible
by cyclists, walkers, joggers, in-line skaters, wheelchairs,
and cross-country skiers. Phase 3 (Gorham Road to Holloway Bay Road) includes a bridle
trail specifically designed for equestrian use.
By-law
35-2000 states that motorized use of the trail is prohibited (with the exception of motorized wheelchairs). Horses
are also prohibited from being on the the Friendship Trail, except on the Phase 3 Bridle Path.
| Did
you know? |
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Through
the Adopt-a-Trail program, Schools and Community
Organizations volunteer to maintain the trail throughout
the year!
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Who
maintains the trail?
The
trail is maintained by the Town of Fort Erie Infrastructure Services Department, as a linear park. The Town
has implemented an Adopt-A-Trail
program that encourages schools and community organizations
maintain the trail throughout the year.
How
will the trail connect to other trails in the region?
The
Friendship Trail forms part of the Greater
Niagara Circle Route, a 156 km long multi-use trail
system connecting communities throughout the Niagara Region.
This system will connect with the Niagara Falls tourist
area, the wine country to the north and the canal parkway
to the west.
The Friendship Trail forms part of the Waterfront
Regeneration Trust Trail, which extends along the
shores of Lake Ontario to Trenton, Ontario.
The Friendship Trail is one of many links in the nation-wide
17,000 km Trans-Canada
Trail System, which links Victoria, BC to St. John’s,
Newfoundland, and north to Tuktuyuktuk, NWT.
What
is the Trans-Canada Trail?
The Trans-Canada Trail is a millennium project of the
Canadian Federal Government. The goal is to create a system
of linking recreational corridors spanning the country.
When completed, the TC Trail will stretch almost 17,000
kms from Newfoundland to BC, and north to the Arctic Ocean.
Fort Erie Town Council has resolved to register our trail
with the Trans-Canada Trail System. This will bring national
recognition to our project, and instill pride in our community.
A Trans-Canada Trail Pavilion (of which there are few in Ontario),
is located in Bowen Road Park. Pavilions
signify a major stopping place on the trail network, and
having one located in Fort Erie is a proud achievement.
How
can I contribute to the success of this project?
The
Friendship Trail project is an important part of the future
of Fort Erie. Not only will it provide locals with a picturesque
and healthful recreational resource and linkages to the
entire Niagara Region, it will also be an important piece
of our tourism strategy. Its success depends on the support
of our citizens, local businesses and our community groups.
If you are interested in finding out how you can be a
part of this worthwhile community effort, or if you would
like to make a tax-deductible donation, please contact:
Town of Fort Erie Community and Development
Services
1 Municipal Centre Drive
Fort Erie, Ontario
L2A 2S6
(905) 871-1600 ext. 2501
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