JOINT NEWS RELEASE

St. Lawrence Parks Commission

Front of Yonge Township Township of Leeds and the

The Start of a Trail Alliance for the Recreational Trail Working Together on the Development of the Multi-use Recreational Trail March 23, 2021 11:00 A.M.

Morrisburg, — St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) in partnership with the Ontario Trails Council (OTC), Front of Yonge Township and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands have proposed a coordinated approach to resolve the challenges encountered with the plowing of the multi-use recreational trail along the Thousand Islands Parkway (TIP). Through a shared vision for the trail, the goal is to identify a solution for winter 2021 that allows for the safe use of the trail and better user experience for all users.

As trails play a vital role in building a healthier, more prosperous Ontario, establishing a volunteer working committee will be the initial step to guide future decision-making and will help strengthen community engagement as well as collaboration.

The OTC has led over 300 community meetings to bring 51 regional trail committees to Ontario. Through their expertise, the committee will establish trail best practices and principles to safeguard the recreational trail so residents and users may continue to enjoy the many recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and walking during the winter months in a safe environment.

Quotes

“The SLPC has heard the concerns raised by local community members regarding the conditions along the Thousand Islands Parkway multi-use recreational trail during the winter months. The SLPC supports and recognizes that a collaborative working group with stakeholders from the Front of Yonge Township and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands is key to reaching a unified resolution that allows users to continue to safely enjoy the trail.”

- Hon. Bob Runciman, Chair, St. Lawrence Parks Commission

"One of our pillars of better trails is the development of community trail committees, which we do with the support of groups such as the SLPC and its stakeholders," says Patrick Connor OTC CEO. He adds "through these committees we can resolve landowner, maintenance, signage and other use or operational issues so that both local residents and trail tourists are well served by trails."

- Patrick Connor, CEO, Ontario Trail Council

“Front of Yonge is looking forward to developing a working relationship with the SLPC, the OTC and the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. Not so long ago, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville partnered with the SLPC to revitalize the bike path, providing $400,000 toward the resurfacing. The Path is recognized by the entire region as an important recreational opportunity for a variety of year-round activities.”

- Mayor Roger Haley, The Front of Yonge Township

13740 County Road 2 Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0 www.parks.on.ca An Agency of the Government of Ontario

“Trail systems are incredibly important; they provide opportunity for low cost recreation, allow for social interaction, and connect people with their natural environment. We witnessed a huge increase in use of our trails as the pandemic kept us distanced, and pushed us to reconnect with the outdoors. Never has it been more important for us to support maintenance and upkeep of trails for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of our area. We look forward to working with the Ontario Trails Council and our neighbours to ensure that the Parkway Recreational Trail continues to be enjoyed and accessible to all.”

- Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands

Quick Facts

▪ The TIP is home to a paved multi-use recreational trail that is used year-round between Brockville and Gananoque in Ontario. ▪ Currently, the multi-use recreational trail is not maintained during the winter and the trail is only to be used by pedestrians, skiers and those who snowshoe when conditions allow and it is safe to do so. ▪ Motorized vehicles including vehicular traffic and snow machines are not permitted on the paved recreational trail. ▪ Snowmobiles are permitted on the TIP north lane, the land north of the recreational trail. About St. Lawrence Parks Commission

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Kingston Pen Tours, Skywood Eco Adventure, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 14 campgrounds and beach day-use picnic areas including the Long Sault and Thousand Islands Parkway.

To learn more, visit www.parks.on.ca.

About The Ontario Trail Council

The Ontario Trails Council is a charity that promotes the development, preservation, management and use of recreational trails and trail-based activity in Ontario.

Ontario Trails Council brings the right people together to provide reliable information that advances the management and operation of recreational trails, while providing public access to the largest multi-use trail inventory in Canada.

To learn more, visit www.ontariotrails.ca.

About Front of Yonge Township

Located in beautiful Eastern Ontario along the St. Lawrence River, Front of Yonge Township was incorporated as a separate municipality in 1905. As a member municipality of the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, it has a rich history dating back centuries. Part of the world famous 1000 Islands with 46 islands within its borders, the area is home to natural waterfronts and multiple recreational trails, providing striking scenery.

To learn more, visit www.mallorytown.ca.

13740 County Road 2 Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0 www.parks.on.ca An Agency of the Government of Ontario

About The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands

The Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (TLTI) was incorporated in 2001 by the amalgamation of the Township of Escott, Township of Front of Leeds and Lansdowne, and the Township of the Rear of Leeds and Lansdowne. The Mayor, Council, staff and volunteers work collaboratively to ensure that quality services are provided to residents, businesses and visitors. TLTI provides services including; treasury and administration, recreation and leisure programming, planning and development supports; waste management and public works. It is the mission of the Township to continue to be a friendly, historic community surrounded by natural beauty, where the economy, nature, and people flourish. This is achieved by planning for the built environment, delivery of quality programming to enhance the quality of life, and provision of infrastructure including roads, bridges, parks, facilities and more.

To learn more, visit www.leeds1000islands.ca.

Media Contacts

Rosalyn Gambhir Krista Doyle A/Communications & Media Relations Officer Director of Marketing & Customer St. Lawrence Parks Commission Experience [email protected] St. Lawrence Parks Commission [email protected]

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Ontario Trails

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The Front of Yonge Township

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Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands

Facebook: @Twp.Leeds1000Islands Twitter: @leeds1000island

13740 County Road 2 Morrisburg, ON, K0C 1X0 www.parks.on.ca An Agency of the Government of Ontario