2.0 CONTEXT 2.1 Primary Local Trails

Home , Bruce Trail, Cataraqui Trail, Kemptville Creek, North Grenville, Route Verte

2.0 CONTEXT In order to develop a comprehensive and high‐quality integrated community trail system, it is important to understand the current state (and existing context) of trails in North Grenville. Although North Grenville has demonstrated success in regards to trail development in the past few years, there remains immense opportunity to further develop and enhance trails in relation to the Municipality’s unique outdoor environment, the perception of safety of its on‐road trails, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks in the town core, and to enhance major recreational trail amenities such as signage in the Ferguson Forest Centre. This chapter provides an assessment of local, regional, provincial, and national trail systems and information on the benefits of trail development. It also identifies key policies and initiatives which can influence and support the development of trails in North Grenville.

North Grenville – A Flat Terrain and Unique Environment

From a cycling perspective, it is notable that North Grenville has relatively flat terrain and topography, including expanses of low lying marsh lands and wetland habitat forests – a unique environment conducive to active modes of transportation. Flanked by the Rideau River to the north, Kemptville Creek transects the Municipality ‐ a prominent feature of Old Town Kemptville.

North Grenville’s historic roots, founded primarily on an agricultural economy, are keystone to its sense of place and community today.

2.1 Primary Local Trails North Grenville’s 150 Kilometres of Trails The network links five legacy projects described previously and includes 150 kilometres of rural roads, streets, and existing trail networks (including the Ferguson Forest Centre Management Trail and Turtle Trail, Limerick Forest South Trails, University of Guelph

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Kemptville Campus Agroforestry Centre Trails, and Burritts Rapids Tip‐ to‐Tip Trail Rideau Heritage Route).

Ferguson Forest Centre Management Trail and Turtle Trail The Ferguson Forest Centre Management Trail and Turtle Trail are located between Cty Rd. 44 and the Rideau River in North Grenville. Undesignated farm access roads are used throughout the Centre, as ‘trails’. Adjacent to St. Michael High School, the designated Management Trail is 2.3 kilometre long, and aims to educate students, residents and visitors about forestry in Eastern Ontario. The trail takes trail users through a variety of both natural and plated forest types common in Eastern Ontario.

Limerick Forest South Trails Limerick Forest is a 5,782 hectare community forest, owned and managed by United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG). ‘Area 3’ north of Limerick Road is within North Grenville study area, hosting hiking trails, a double‐track multi‐use trail, and vehicular access through the centre of this parcel. This portion of the site houses a de facto ‘trailhead’ chalet with washroom facilities and parking (image: limerickforest.ca, June 2011). A Tourism and Recreational Development Study (August 2006) reviewed current and potential uses and introduced recommendations to promote sustainable recreational use of the Forest. The health of Trails is linked to the health of North Grenville’s forests. The Twenty Year Forest Management Plan (2007) recognizes those strategies and has identified the following objectives to help attain the goal of providing a wide range of quality recreational opportunities.

Resultant of this Strategy, plans for trail development to, from and within Limerick Forest ought to consider:  Identification and design of a recreational trail system within Limerick Forest that meets the needs of all current and potential users, including motorized, non‐motorized uses;  Identification of other (non‐trail) type recreational opportunities (e.g. tobogganing, wildlife viewing, picnicking and camping); and  A code of conduct and guiding trail etiquette that factors for traditional recreational past‐practices such as hunting.

Scotch Line Road Environs at Merrickville Existing trails exist in the environs of Scotch Line Road approaching Merrickville. The Merrickville Trails Association and Friends of Limerick Forest are active in the area. Trail linkage opportunities exist in the area.

Kemptville Campus Agroforestry Centre Trails The Kemptville Campus AgroForestry Education Centre is located on the south‐ west corner of Concession Road and Cty Rd. 44 and covers 300 acres of forest. This area contains several kilometres of walking pathways which make up part of the “150 Kilometres of Trails” trail system.

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Tip‐to‐Tip Trail at Burritts Rapids ‐ Rideau Heritage Route North Grenville is located along the ‘North Rideau’ portion of the Rideau Heritage Route. “The Rideau Canal is the oldest continuously operated canal in North America” (rideauheritageroute.ca, June 2011). Where it passes through North Grenville, the Heritage Route is located along the southern bank of the Rideau River ‐ the northern boundary of North Grenville on River Road.

Figure 2.1: The Rideau Heritage Route

Image: HTTP://WWW.RIDEAUHERITAGEROUTE.CA/EN/MAPS/INDEX.ASP (June 07, 2011)

2.2 National Trails Relevant to North Grenville Trans Canada Trail (TCT) The Trans Canada Trail (TCT) offers North Grenville potential trail linkages to a significant national trail initiative. The TCT intends to become the longest connected trail system in the world, with an eventual completed network of more than 22,000 kilometres of shared and single use pathway. The TCT supports as many as five core uses: walking, cycling, horseback riding, cross‐country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Figure 2.2: North Grenville in context with the Trans Canada Trail and Waterfront Trail (Image: MMM Group, 2011)

Currently, sections of the TCT have been completed in every province in the country, and in two of the territories, with Prince Edward Island and Quebec having the greatest proportion of their system developed and operating. In Ontario, large sections of the TCT have been designated, several of them running quite close to North Grenville, including:

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 The Cataraqui Trail, from Smiths Falls toward Kingston to Sydenham;  The Ottawa‐Carleton Trailway;  The Central Frontenac Trailway, Sharbot Lake to Tweed. The TCT in Ontario offers funding and trail development expertise. In conjunction with the Ontario Trails Council (OTC), TCT actively encourages communities neighbouring the main corridor of the TCT to make connections and develop scenic loops. Within the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville, the Municipality has potential to link to both trails – connecting Kemptville and North Grenville to these two distinguished regionally and nationally significant trails. Although outside of the Municipality, these trail networks offer potential to further develop North Grenville’s relationship to the regional cycling and trail tourism industry outside of the specifics of this study. The Waterfront Trail The Waterfront Trail stretches over 900 km, along the St. Lawrence River nearest North Grenville. In 2010, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust compiled a second phase for the Waterfront Investment Program. The program involves 16 municipal partners and represents an investment of $18 million. National Capital Region Trails Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, in relatively close proximity to North Grenville, maintains one of the largest regional trail systems in Canada, consisting of four distinct components: Gatineau Park Summer uses, Gatineau Parks Winter uses, Greenbelt Trails, and the Capital Pathway. There are three major corridors that North Grenville should consider in order to form a comprehensive trail network in Eastern Ontario. North Grenville is at the centre of these corridors and developing connections to them will encourage the use the trails within the Municipality for recreational and tourist activities. The corridors are described briefly below:

o Dwyer Hill Road – this corridor goes north and west from North Grenville through Lanark County and meets up with the TransCanada Trail. o Osgoode Link Pathway – this trail goes north and east from North Grenville through Osgoode and connects to trails within the Municipality of Ottawa. o South Grenville Bicycle Trail – this important 32 kilometre trail follows the shore of the St. Lawrence River through Augusta and Edwardsburg/Cardinal Townships along County Road 2 (Heritage Parkway) and forms part of the Waterfront Trail.

The Friends of the North Grenville Trails:

 Municipality of North Grenville  Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion  United Counties of Leeds & Grenville  Ferguson Forest Centre  Friends of the Ferguson Forest Centre  Rideau Canal Burritts Rapids Tip‐to‐Tip  University of Guelph Agroforestry Centre and Trails  Rideau Heritage Route  Lanark, Leeds & Grenville District Health Unit  Kemptville District Hospital  Community Living North Grenville  Ministry of Natural Resources

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2.3 THE EXISTING ABANDONED RAIL LINE Abandoned rail lines provide wonderful opportunities for the development of trail corridors as they are generally flat, relatively straight and intersect with major roads. The abandoned rail line through North Grenville has these qualities, as well as key geographic alignment, that present the opportunity to form part of the main spine network of trails within North Grenville. This trail would link the Hamlets to Old Town Kemptville and new adjacent developments such as the Colonnade retail shopping development. Beyond the limits of North Grenville to the northeast, this section of the rail line links with the City of Ottawa’s Osgoode Link Pathway – to the centre of Ottawa and THE International Airport. To the south beyond North Grenville, this rail line provides for the opportunity to connect to Prescott and the Waterfront Trail. Opportunities such as this should be investigated by the Municipality for acquisition and development. It is understood that portions of the rail line with municipal boundaries are segregated into three unique scenarios: private land ownership (north of the town centre), currently under abandonment (year 3 of a 5‐year Federal process) and abandoned and publically held (south of the town centre). Linking these portions of the abandoned rail corridor is, as described above, a wonderful opportunity for North Grenville – linking the key destinations and answering the Vision and objectives of this study as well as the essence of the Official Plan related to trails.

2.4 THE BENEFITS OF TRAIL DEVELOPMENT Trail activities provide significant health fitness, transportation, environmental, economic and tourism benefits. Municipalities in Eastern Ontario and throughout North America are implementing initiatives to promote and encourage trail activities as a method of promoting a more active and healthy lifestyle and to encourage alternatives to the private automobile for short‐ distance trips.

Health and Fitness Walking and cycling provide an enjoyable, convenient and affordable means of exercise and recreation. Research suggests that the most effective fitness routines are moderate in intensity, individualized and incorporated into our daily activities. In addition, studies have shown that people who walk, run, cycle, ski (to name a few) are, on average, more physically fit, less obese and have a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease1.

In 2001, approximately $2.8 billion was spent on health care due to physical inactivity in Canada, which could be reduced by $280 million if physical activity was increased by 10%2 Evidence suggests that improved cycling facilities lead to increased bicycle use3. Increased physical activity such as walking and cycling can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, premature death, high blood pressure, obesity, adult‐onset diabetes, depression and various types of cancer. A more active population can in turn reduce the cost of medical care, decrease workplace absenteeism, and maintain the independence of older adults and younger children. In Canada, the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled in the last 20 years (Katzmarzyk & Mason, 2006). Making strategic investments, through partnerships when feasible, in both infrastructure and outreach to support the use of active transportation in daily commuting habits, fitness and active recreation can help to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for North Grenville residents and can have other valuable benefits.

Economic & Tourism A study published by Go for Green in March of 2004 establishes a convincing business case for active modes of transportation in the report entitled “The Economic Benefits of Walking and Cycling” (Go For Green, 2004). Listed benefits include:  Reduction in road construction, repair and maintenance costs;  Reduction in costs due to air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution;  Reduction in health care costs due to increased physical activity and reduced respiratory and cardiac disease;  Reduction in fuel, repair and maintenance costs to users;  Reduction of costs due to increased road safety;  Reduction in external costs due to traffic congestion;  Reduction in parking subsidies;  The positive economic impact of bicycle tourism;  The positive economic impact of bicycle sales and manufacturing;  Increased property values along greenways and trails; and

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 Increased productivity and reduction of sick days and injuries in the workplace. There is ample evidence that on and off‐road trail facilities provide significant economic benefits for adjacent landowners and local businesses. Trails provide benefits to the local economy during both construction (jobs and materials) and operation. Following construction, benefits emerge in the form of expenditures by facility users. A few examples include:  Trails in New Brunswick employ around 1500 people for an average of six months per year;  70% of Bruce Trail users, in the Greater Toronto Area, cite the trail as the main reason for visiting the area, and they spend an average of about $20.00 per user per visit within a 10 km corridor on either side of the trail;  Annual expenditures linked to La Route Verte rose to $95.4 million in 2000, representing 2,000 jobs and $15.1 million and $11.9 million for the governments of Quebec and Canada, respectively;  In 2002, Quebec hosted 190,000 bicycle tourists who spend an average of $112 per day and an average of 6.5 nights compared to $52 per day and an average of 3.1 nights spent by other tourists; and  In Ontario, the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance estimated that at the end of a ten year build‐out period, 320 km of their system, constructed at a cost of $5.4 million, will generate approximately $36 million in annual economic benefits in the communities through which it passes, and create/sustain over 1,100 jobs. Trails systems can have varied levels of attraction for tourists. By increasing the level of tourist draw, travelers can be expected to stay longer, resulting in additional night’s lodging and meals, a major benefit to local businesses. Bicycle manufacture, sales and repairs, as well as bicycle tourism, recreation and delivery services contribute to the economy with little to no public investment or subsidy. In 2002, Canadian households spent an average of $42 on bicycles, parts and accessories for a total of approximately $500 million. North Grenville has immense potential to serve a growing demand for cycling and eco‐tourism. The demand stems from an increasing desire to explore new areas through an active mode of transportation and experience one’s natural surroundings (and clearly communicated from the results of the online questionnaire on public consultation as a main drive for trail use in North Grenville). Expressed throughout the public consultation of this study, the ‘Baby Boomer’ population in North Grenville is demonstrating a new‐found interest cycling. This is consistent with known trends across Eastern Ontario

and North America. Increase in cycling and active tourism has a direct impact on the economic standing of the municipality in which cycling infrastructure is emphasized and/or implemented. North Grenville’s Economic Development Vision (Part 2.3.1) recognizes the multitude of opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in recreation, both passive and active, particularly with respect to use of the Rideau River and the South Branch, and the Ferguson and Limerick Forests ‐ a growing trail network, and equine tourism. A study done by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute shows that walking and cycling facility improvements and promotion programs have a direct impact on economic development by increasing shopping opportunities and tourism activities. More specifically, “one study estimates that rail trails in Australia provide an average of $51 to the regional economy per cycle tourist per day (Beeton, 2003)”. A number of studies show a direct correlation between the implementation of well‐planned, non‐motorized transportation improvements and an increase in local tourism economies. In the United States, studies have shown that trails and greenways have been able to stimulate tourism and recreation‐related spending and that trail and greenway systems have become the central focus of tourist activities in some communities. In these communities, this push in active tourism can be a key means of “kick‐starting” the economy. When looking at pedestrian, cycling and trail related tourism one must also look at the other expenditures associated with the trips. These include the food and beverage, maintenance, and lodging related costs which can be accrued over time. In one study undertaken throughout the United States, the expenditures on three multi‐purpose trails were compared. On two rural multi‐ purpose trails in Iowa and Florida, the expenditures were US $9.31 and US $11.02 respectively. For an Urban multi‐purpose trail in California, the expenditure was US $3.97. Though lower for the urban trail, with higher visitation levels the expenditures can provide significant monetary benefit for a region [1]. Though tourism benefits from active transportation and trail facilities prove to provide an injection into the local economy there are also a wide range of social, environmental and health benefits associated with AT and trail tourism. As people become increasingly more aware of the benefits to trail use and pedestrian and cycling activities there tends to be a continuous increase in the

[1] Litman, T. Quantifying the Benefits of Non-motorized Travel, Civtoris Transport Policy Institute (2010).

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number of cycling tourists who will provide further benefits to their communities and the communities to which they visit. Over the last ten years, the concept of trails (active transportation and pedestrian and cycling network development) has been gaining popularity because of the health; social, environmental, economic and tourism benefits are so substantial. There is clear evidence of benefits associated with designing trail friendly communities ‐ and encouraging people to be more active by walking and biking more often for both recreation and utilitarian purposes. Promoting trails, especially through the development of an integrated on and off‐road system that provides transportation and recreation options, is a simple and obvious strategy that can encourage people to reduce their use of the personal automobile, and create sustainable, more livable, safe and active communities.

Transportation Walking and cycling are both popular recreational activities and a means of transportation that are efficient, affordable and accessible. They are the most energy efficient modes of transportation that generate no pollution, and lead to reduced road congestion and maintenance costs, less costly infrastructure, increased road safety and decreased user costs. In many cases, for distances up to 10 km in urban areas, cycling can be the fastest of all modes from door to door. Seven in ten Canadians say they would cycle to work if there “were a dedicated lane which would take me to my workplace in less than 30 minutes at a comfortable pace”. These facts clearly demonstrate the potential for increasing the number of trips by bicycle, especially in the more “urban” areas of the Municipality. There is strong evidence that given complete networks of high‐quality cycling routes, a significant number of people will cycle as residents can simply get on their bicycles with confidence knowing there will always be a safe route to their destination (British Columbia Cycling Coalition Budget Submission, 2007). An emphasis on walking, cycling and other active modes can result in a reduction in roadway costs. Bicycles are lightweight vehicles that take up little space and cause little wear and tear on a road surface. Road improvements to increase the safety of pedestrians and cyclists can and should enhance the safety of other road users. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration reports that paved shoulders on two‐lane, rural roads have been shown to reduce run‐off‐the‐road, head‐on and sideswipe collisions by 30% to 40%. In addition, many municipalities have found that paved shoulders

reduce maintenance costs related to shoulder deterioration, grading and snow removal. It is also much cheaper to provide paved shoulders on a road for cyclists than to provide two additional motor vehicle travel lanes. A small portion of a municipality’s transportation budget can be used to facilitate high levels of bicycle use. Another benefit of reduced car use is a decrease in the number of parking spaces required. Bicycle parking facilities could be provided in an existing surface or underground parking lot with no additional parking lot expansion required.

Environmental Non‐motorized transportation modes are energy‐efficient, non‐polluting modes of travel. Short distance motor vehicle trips are the least fuel efficient and generate the most pollution per kilometre. These trips have the greatest potential of being replaced by walking or cycling trips and integrated walking‐ transit and cycling‐transit trips. Reducing the number of motor vehicles on the road decreases the number of pollutants released into the atmosphere by motor vehicles. Motor vehicles, roads and parking facilities are major sources of water pollution and hydrologic disruptions due to such factors as road de‐icing, air pollution settlement, roadside herbicides, road construction along shorelines, and increased impervious surfaces. Bicycles make little noise, and are not disruptive to communities from a noise perspective. Automobile dependent communities require more land for road rights‐of‐way and parking than communities that are not as reliant on the automobile. Making communities less auto‐dependant by providing infrastructure for sustainable transportation modes, such as walking and cycling can reduce the amount of land required to construct new communities, thus creating more compact subdivisions that make more efficient use of available land. Given the important roles that cycling and walking play in reducing emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, and fostering good health directly, it is important to create a trail network that has the potential to create a desirable walking and cycling environment. A literature and best practices review suggests that the number of beginner or infrequent cyclists increases when the

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effects of climate change can be reduced by encouraging drivers to use other modes, or to travel outside rush hours.

2.5 Relevant Trail Initiatives and Policies The Ontario Trails Strategy The Ontario Trails Strategy is a long‐term plan that “establishes strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario.” (The Ministry of Health Promotion, Active 2010, Ontario Trails Strategy) The Strategy focuses on outdoor designated trail networks such as North Grenville, that are used for recreation, active living, utilitarian and tourism purposes, including but not limited to:  Trails with natural/treated surfaces;  On‐road bicycle routes;  Sidewalks, walkways, boardwalks;  Trails in transportation corridors;  Access roads used for trail use;  Trails integrated with public transit;  Waterway routes. The Strategy has much relevance and insight into the reasons for trail development and benefits to healthy living in North Grenville.

The Official Plan (Municipality of North Grenville) The Official Plan (2010) intends that the concept of recreational trails connecting various parts of the Municipality be considered as an integral part of the Municipality’s future development. North Grenville’s vision and mechanisms aimed to develop and implement trails are extensively articulated in the Official Plan (OP). A number of trail‐related statements and policy excerpts from the OP include:  [Create] opportunities to experience the natural environment through an expanded trail system, the Rideau River, South Branch and numerous public open space areas.” (Part of Social Needs ‐ f);

 North Grenville impresses all who visit with its continuously improving quality and its integration of community design and development. This is particularly evident in the downtown and its waterfront, its major streets including County Road 43, and the strong pedestrian and green space linkages between all major community assets and throughout the community (Part of 2.1 Vision Statement);  [A] number of recreational facilities and opportunities, including golf courses, walking, cycling, skiing and snowmobile trails, will help service the leisure needs of the tourists and residents… (Part of 2.2.7 Tourism);  The Rideau River and South Branch waterways are a well‐established trail system and will be major elements in the recreational linkages within the Municipality. (Part 2.2.10 Linkages);  The protection of former railway corridors, as public lands, should be encouraged in those appropriate circumstances for such potential uses as recreation… (Part 2.2.10 Linkages);  The integrity of existing Provincial, County and Municipal road networks shall be maintained and upgraded, and integrated with cycling and walking routes as much as possible. (Part 2.2.10 Linkages);  Improve accessibility to the Downtown and other major destinations through a safe, efficient and integrated system of bicycle routes and pedestrian paths (Part of 13.1.1 Transportation Strategies)  Council shall adopt a pedestrian walkway plan for urban and rural areas which outlines areas where walkways exist and where they should be created within an overall network. (Part of 13.2.6 Pedestrian Policies).  Council shall adopt a cycling plan for urban and rural areas which identifies cycling routes. Such a plan shall encourage the interconnection between bike routes and open space areas. Such a plan shall be designed to improve the viability of cycling as an alternative to car use.” (Part of 13.2.7 Cycling Policies)  Parks, Recreation and Open Space Policies of the Official Plan set out provisions for a continuous linear park / open space network ‐ by integrating North Grenville’s unique Natural Heritage System (the Rideau River, South Branch and its tributaries). Trails are a ‘natural fit’ in defining and leveraging the benefits of networked open space and

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parks. As described in the Official Plan (Part 12), a recreational system of trails creates a unique community resource by providing opportunities for public waterfront access, outdoor leisure and recreational activities, interpretation of the natural environment and historic context of the community, and diversity of tourism activities.

The Economic Development Plan of the Algonquins of Ontario proposes a system of Algonquin Nation Trails and Tourist Commercial Rest Stop areas based on historic Waterways (the Rideau River in vicinity of North Grenville) and Highways (e.g. County Road 43 and Highway 416), as well as Recreational Vehicle Trails. The Town of Kemptville and environs immediately north and east have been identified as a potential convergence of all three Algonquin Nation Trail systems. The Municipality recognizes this as an important Tourist and Highway Commercial development initiative, which has the potential to be mutually beneficial.

The City of Ottawa The City of Ottawa has a number of documents that support the development of trails and the use of sustainable modes of transportation. The Transportation Master Plan (2008) includes policies and direction for the development of walking and cycling facilities and the development of multi‐use pathways. They have also included a number of supporting measures that will encourage the use of active modes of transportation throughout the Municipality. The municipality has also developed two plans specifically aimed at the development of cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. The Ottawa Pedestrian Plan’s vision is to facilitate year‐round walking as a comfortable, realistic, viable, well‐integrated and well‐used component of the transportation system in the Municipality. The Ottawa Cycling Plan has a vision to develop a municipality‐wide, visible and connected cycling network of on and off‐road facilities that is actively used by all types of cyclists. This network would be supported by various programs, policies and strategies that would help to identify Ottawa as the premiere cycling capital of Canada and as one of the most sustainable transportation cities in the world. Township of North Dundas Tourism initiatives in North Dundas promotes the Nation Valley Snowmobile Association and the Nation Valley All‐Terrain Vehicle Club Inc. Through the

consultation strategy, the ATV club has expressed a desire to link (generally from the east – North Dundas) into North Grenville. United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Official Plan (2006) outlines certain key policies with respect to trails:  Special purpose trails, eg. Five County Trails, Trans Canada Trail, and snowmobile trails, should be protected and incorporated into design and development decisions. Trails should be designed as a contiguous system with linkages, notably to park and open space facilities and community services (Section 4.06.2.5. Recreation and Leisure Services);  [Community] design should focus on making communities walkable and safe, particularly for children and seniors. Parks, open spaces or green areas should be planned to meet a variety of leisure and recreation needs and should be readily accessible to users, [eg. … recreational trail systems] (Part Section 3.06.7.1 Community Structure). Township of Edwardsburg/Cardinal The Township of Edwardsburg / Cardinal Official Plan (Final Draft for Adoption) contains no specific trail or recreation policies in the Plan. Mention of trails can be found in the Guiding Principles ‐ “We will support waterfront development having regard to public spaces, recreation and access including interconnected facilities through the development of pathways and parklands.“ Township of Augusta The 2010 Township of Augusta Official Plan (awaiting MMAH approval) contains no identified specific trail or recreation policies within their Official Plan. Village of Merrickville – Wolford The Village of Merrickville – Wolford Official Plan (2008) has a number of policies relating to cycling and walking, on‐road cycling, and open space policies regarding the development of trails. Merrickville‐Wolford represents a major local adjacent tourist draw for North Grenville.

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Provincial‐Level Trail‐Related Initiatives The Ministry of Health Promotion Active Transportation (trails for the purposes of this study) and the Ministry’s efforts towards the development of infrastructure that enables the development and use of trails is a significant provincial initiative. Enabling active and sustainable modes of transportation is central to the Integrated Trails Strategy and vision for the Municipality of North Grenville and health benefits of society. As the designated lead for trails in Ontario, the Ministry of Health Promotion is tasked with the responsibility for the coordination of recreational trail issues, policy development and planning. The Ministry’s draft vision for Ontario Trails mandates:  “A world‐class system of trails that captures the uniqueness and beauty of Ontario’s vast open spaces and natural and built cultural/heritage resources. People and places are connected through quality, diverse, safe, accessible and environmentally sensitive urban, rural and wilderness experience trails for recreational enjoyment, active living and tourism development”. Current initiatives and vision at the Municipality of North Grenville are well‐ aligned with the vision of the Ministry of Health Promotion in developing a networked system of trails that sponsors active commuting, being outdoors – and celebrating our unique natural and built heritage landscape. North Grenville has a plethora of both, and immense opportunity for improvement, resultant of this strategy and the vision of its municipal leaders and engaged public.

Bill 51 – Plan Reform Bill 51 includes reforms to the Planning Act, which provides the legislative framework for land use planning in Ontario. Bill 51 includes changes to the planning process that are intended to support intensification, sustainable development and protection of green space by giving municipalities greater powers, flexibility and tools to use land, resources and infrastructure more efficiently. Bill 51 is in line with Ontario’s recent policy shift towards sustainable land use development and planning. For instance, Bill 51 permits municipalities to require environmentally sustainable design for both individual buildings and

entire neighbourhoods. It also adds sustainable development as a provincial interest in the Provincial Policy Statement. Provincial Policy Statement The Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) sets the foundation for regulating land use and development within the Province and supports provincial goals. The PPS provides for appropriate development and protects resources of provincial interest. The vision of the land use planning system in the PPS is that the “long‐ term prosperity and social well‐being of Ontarians depend on maintaining strong communities, a clean healthy environment and a strong economy”1. The PPS promotes transportation choices that facilitate pedestrian and cycling mobility and other modes of travel. Municipal Act, 2001 The Municipal Act, 2001 gives municipalities a broad new flexibility to deal with local circumstances, and to react quickly to local, economic, environmental or social changes. It recognizes municipalities as responsible and accountable governments with respect to matters within their jurisdiction2. The Municipal Act, 2001 also provides policies relating to municipal jurisdiction over municipal highway rights‐of‐way.

Federal‐Level Trail Related Initiatives Transport Canada’s 2005 “Strategies for Sustainable Transportation Planning: A Review of Practices and Options” provides a foundation to build guidelines for incorporating sustainable transportation principles into municipal transportation plans (IBI Group. "Strategies for Sustainable Transportation Planning: A Review of Practices and Options." Editorial. Transport Canada: Transportation Planning Summer 2005. Print.). The strategy considers the transportation integration with Land Use Planning, Environmental Health, and modal sustainability.

Relevant Trail‐Related Organizations A summary of existing relevant national trail organizations and initiatives include, but are not limited to, the following listed below. The Municipality

1 Provincial Policy Statement, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, 2005.

2 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: ww.mah.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/mts_1_7748_1.html

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should continue to leverage the resources these organizations provide regarding trails promotion and development.

The Ontario Trail Council (OTC)

The Ontario Trail Council (OTC) promotes the development, access and use of recreational trails.

Ontario Cycling Association (OCA) The OCA vision is to be a leading organization providing opportunities for personal excellence in the sport of cycling by developing, delivering and promoting quality programs and services for existing and future members in the sport of cycling (text and image source: ontariocycling.org June 2011).

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLHU) provides a wide range of services to promote healthy living, healthy growth and development, prevent illness, injury and control of communicable diseases in the community. Under the Ministry of Health Ontario Public Health Standards, 2008 the LGLHU supports the creation or enhancement of supportive environments in recreational settings and the built environment related to physical activity and off‐road safety.

Child and Youth Wellness Centre of Leeds and Grenville is one of 89 accredited children’s mental health agencies located in Ontario. It is dedicated to serving the mental health needs of children, youth and their families. The Centre works in partnership with a number of community agencies. There is a link between mental health and physical activity and this agency may be able to assist in the promotion of trail use to the children, youth and families they serve.

Community Living North Grenville

This organization supports individuals with an intellectual disability and their families. They support full inclusion in all aspects of community living, including access to recreational and community facilities.

Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA) promotes multi‐use of a 700 km trail system extending from Pembroke/Petawawa to Belleville including a portion of the Trans Canada Trail from Glen Tay West to Hastings. It also includes the 104 km Cataraqui Trail which extends from Smiths Falls to Strathcona serving hikers, cyclists, equestrians, cross‐country skiers and snowmobilers (no ATVs).

Hike Ontario is a provincial association with a mandate to encourage walking, hiking and trail development ‐ a member of the Ontario Trails Council, offering programs such as: Insurance, Safe Hiker Certification, Certified Hike Leader Courses, and Young Hikers Programs.

Ontario Federation of Trail Riders (OFTR) goal is to educate snowmobile riders and promote safe and responsible riding. OFTR has been a member of ‘Tread Lightly!®’ since 2005. Tread Lightly!® is a national non‐profit organization with the mission to promote responsible outdoor recreation through ethics education and stewardship. Tread Lightly!® principles: Travel responsibly, Respect the rights of others, Educate yourself, Avoid sensitive areas, Do your part”.

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a non‐profit organization dedicated to establishing and maintaining quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and to furthering the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling “Conserving Ontario’s Last Frontier” “Leave Tracks Not Trash”. Locally, the Kemptville Snowmobile Club is a member of the OFSC.

Bytown Motorcycle Association is a group of off road motorcycle enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and expanding dirt bike riding opportunities in the Ottawa Area and Eastern Ontario maintaining a code of conduct based on the “tread lightly” concept.

North Grenville Integrated Community Trail Strategy | October 2011 29 D14-010-81

Ontario Bike Route (OBR) network’s vision consists of an on‐road cycling network across Ontario that connects all regions, many municipalities and key points of interest. The OBR encourages cycling connections at the local level and serves as a focus for route preservation and improvement, with benefits to safety, economic development (i.e. tourism, cycle engineering, construction and retail industries) the environment and community health.

The South Nation ATV Club has a mandate to create a safe, policed and insured trail network for its 160 members. There are currently no designated ATV trails in North Grenville. The club’s vision is to improve the image of ATV owners through organization and identified ATV trails.