LUCAN TRAILS MASTER PLAN

June, 2010

1 Table of Contents SECTION 1: Introduction ...... 1 SECTION 2: History...... 2 SECTION 3: Benefits of the Lucan Master Plan for Trails...... 2 Benefits of the LTMP are as follows: ...... 2 The Benefits to the Township of :...... 3 SECTION 4: Goals and Objectives ...... 3 SECTION 5: Building a Case – the NEED for trails ...... 4 Better Health...... 4 Strong People, Strong Economy...... 4 Strong Communities ...... 4 Conserving and Appreciating the Environment...... 4 SECTION 6: Existing Trails ...... 4 Section 7: Building Trails ...... 5 Trail Types ...... 5 Natural Trails ...... 5 Secondary / Off Road Trails...... 5 Primary Trail ...... 5 Signage...... 5 Accessibility...... 5 SECTION 8: New Trail Development and Infrastructure ...... 6 PHASE ONE - Model Trail:...... 6 A) Hodgins Trail:...... 6 B) Community Drive to Queen Street: ...... 6 C) Walnut Grove / Benn Drain:...... 7 D) Martens’ Trail:...... 7 PHASE TWO - Design and construct new trail...... 7 E) Southwest of the town of Lucan ...... 8 F) Southeast of Langford Lumber/Home Building Centre ...... 8 G) Continuation of Martens’ Trail (d)...... 8 H) Continuation of Walnut Grove Trail (c) ...... 9 PHASE THREE – Continuation of Trail Development ...... 9 Section 9: Sustainability / Supporting Trails...... 10 Marketing / Promotion...... 10 Trail Maintenance ...... 10 Section 10: Risk Management ...... 10 Section 11: Summary ...... 11

2 SECTION 1: Introduction Lucan features many opportunities for recreation. Many partners over the years have contributed to the development of various recreational facilities. A longstanding commitment to providing quality and accessible opportunities to play in our parks, sports fields and trails has contributed to the success of Lucan in becoming a desirable place for families to live. Residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy trails while exercising their minds and bodies. Our trails will serve as a social meeting place while surrounded by the beautiful landscape Lucan has to offer. The goal of this Master Plan is to provide a guide for the future of our trail system whereby multi-user trails for non-motorized use are systematically established in order to connect people and places and encourage residents and visitors to enjoy our beautiful town and the natural beauty of our on- and off-road trails. The Lucan Trails Master Plan (LTMP) is a plan for constructing new trails and is integral in the future short and long term planning of trails. A disadvantage of not preparing a Master Plan for trails is that there will not be a vision for the future of our town trails and the creation of vital links may be ignored or under prioritized. The LTMP is designed to be a living and fluid document, subject to review and change. It simply serves as guide for trail development in an evolving community. This report is organized into the following sections: Section 2: History reports on Lucan’s population and demographics supporting this plan. Section 3: Benefits of the Lucan Trails Master Plan outlines the benefits of the creation of this document as well as the proposed impact of the recommendations on the municipality. Section 4: Goals and Objectives details expectations of implementing of the master plan. Section 5: Building a case – the NEED for trails discusses the importance of and impact that trails have on our community. Section 6: Existing Trails lists and describes the current trails within Lucan. Section 7: Building Trails outlines the trail types, signage, trailheads and accessibility. Section 8: New Trail Development and Infrastructure details the recommended three phase plan to create trails in and around Lucan. This plan includes creation of a Model Trail, creation of additional trails, and prioritization of ongoing trail development. Section 9: Supporting/Maintaining Trails discusses promotion and maintenance issues related to trails. Section 10: Risk Management discusses the need to consider risk management in the development and maintenance of trail projects to provide a safer, more responsible and enjoyable trail experience. Section 11: Summary

1 SECTION 2: History Lucan is located in the heart of Southwestern , within Middlesex County and 20 minutes north of the city of London. Lucan’s motto is “Get that small town feeling”. Among the first residents of Biddulph Township were free blacks from , who, after being forced to leave Ohio as a result of the enforcement of the state's "Black Laws", formed the in 1821. As Wilberforce went into a steady decline by the late 1830's, many of the colony members sold their land to Irish settlers. The town was originally called "Marystown" in honour of Company's John McDonald's wife, but was later changed to Lucan. On January 1, 1999 the Village of Lucan and the Township of Biddulph united to become the Township of Lucan Biddulph. With an area of approximately 16,876 hectares and a population of 4,187 people (Statistics Canada 2006), Lucan Biddulph Township has maintained its small town feeling with lots of room and land to allow comfortable living. Lucan, from its conception, has been a hub of agricultural activity and is also home to many residents who commute to London on a daily basis. The median age of the population of Lucan Biddulph is 37 years, with the highest 5-year age grouping segment being those between 40 and 44 years of age, as of the 2006 census. Lucan is a healthy and vibrant community with many residents expecting quality and diverse recreational opportunities as they are retiring earlier, and are healthier and wealthier as they do so. New residents to Lucan are drawn to our community because of the high quality amenities the community has to offer. Residents expect quality recreation opportunities at their doorstep, such as the Lucan Memorial Community Centre. There is, however, a definite lack of established trail system within the municipaility. An interconnected trail system is the missing link in providing outdoor opportunities for active citizens. To date a master plan for trails has not yet been prepared for the Township of Lucan Biddulph, whose Council has asked the newly-formed Lucan Area Trails Association to undertake this task.

SECTION 3: Benefits of the Lucan Master Plan for Trails

Benefits of the LTMP: 1. The LTMP provides recommendations to town Council. 2. This document provides direction for community projects and opens avenues for community partnerships. 3. If adopted by the Council of Lucan Biddulph, it sends a message of a municipal commitment to the environment as alternative “green” modes of transportation are encouraged. 4. The plan identifies another attractive opportunity to persons considering relocating to Lucan. Business owners considering relocating may choose Lucan as an ideal location as a result of the amenities.

2 5. Developers may be able to increase marketing of sales within their new communities once additional amenities are identified and endorsed by municipal leaders. 6. The plan provides a communication tool which is available to change with public input. 7. The LTMP provides the Lucan Area Trails Association with an established focus and goals to be met. 8. This document provides an opportunity for ongoing dialogue through various departments with a commitment to trail development and maintenance.

The Benefits to the Township of Lucan Biddulph: 1. Increased tourism once a trail system is realized. 2. Positive economic impact as the result of increased tourism. 3. The LTMP communicates the municipality’s commitment to environmental conservation, regeneration and protection. 4. Residents are encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles as a result of accessible and free recreation opportunities on trails. 5. There are many social benefits to persons taking part in trail activities. Trail development may promote fostering new partnerships with local business and industry. 6. The historical importance of Lucan can be explored throughout a trail system as important landmarks can be identified and discussed through signage. 7. Environmental and green space awareness may be increased by residents exploring new areas of their community.

SECTION 4: Goals and Objectives The GOAL of the LTMP is: To provide a guide for the future of our trail system whereby multi-user trails for non-motorized use are systematically established in order to connect people and places and encourage residents and visitors to enjoy our beautiful town and the natural beauty of our on- and off-road trails. The OBJECTIVES supporting the goal of the LTMP are: 1. To develop a flexible document outlining future phases of trail construction and provide direction to link all town trails. 2. To commit to maintaining new trails with the development of a trails sustainability / maintenance program. 3. To promote an active and healthy community and increase interest in trail use through marketing and education programs. 4. To ensure that the enjoyment of trails for all users is preserved by indicating permitted uses on trailhead signage and public education.

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SECTION 5: Building a Case – the NEED for trails As identified by the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion and supported by the values of the Active 2010 initiative, many benefits of trails have been identified.

Better Health Trails promote physical activity which can prevent many serious health conditions. A healthier community is a smaller burden on the healthcare system. Physical activity also promotes stress relief and wellness. Trails are accessible, low or no cost and offer an opportunity for individuals to choose an activity that they enjoy. Trails provide an opportunity for all persons regardless of ability, age, gender, cultural or economic barriers to enjoy physical activity.

Strong People, Strong Economy Tourism is a very important part of our local economy, particularly with the recent opening of the Lucan Heritage & Donnelly Musem. Increased tourism lends to job creation and a positive effect on supporting local businesses. A current trend is that individuals and families are taking vacations closer to home and choosing to spend their leisure dollars within their own communities when attractive facilities and experiences are available at their doorstep. Trails increase the property value of homes. Individuals and families looking to relocate may choose our community based on this amenity.

Strong Communities Trails weave a social fabric with many volunteers working to keep their community beautiful for all to enjoy. The Lucan Area Trails Association is committed to building and maintaining new trails. A joint effort leads to a revitalized volunteer base within communities. This group of people may be inspired, or may inspire others, to become involved with other volunteer groups in the community. Private land owners will be encouraged to allow trail development through their lands or even donate sections of their land to a trails initiative.

Conserving and Appreciating the Environment Trails lead people to interesting areas of town, allowing all to explore the rich heritage of our community and experiencing wildlife and nature. Signage and informational posting will provide a self guided tour to our community’s history while promoting physical activity. Trails assist in preserving our natural landscape by offering a safe and designated route for walking, hiking, jogging and cycling. Trails provide an opportunity to connect with the natural environment and explore our town using sustainable transportation. Accessible trails may encourage individuals to leave their vehicles at home in exchange for a scenic walk to their destination. SECTION 6: Existing Trails There are no existing trails in Lucan. Walkers and runners use roads and sidewalks. While there is one established private trail system approximately 3 kilometres outside of town, it is poorly promoted and the existing signage is in disrepair. There are private horse trails southwest of town, but these trails are not available for the use of the general public. 4

Section 7: Building Trails Materials to be used for the surface of various trails will depend on the location and the intensity of use experienced on the trails.

Trail Types

Natural Trails These trails will be developed following the topography of the landscape closely and therefore may not be fully accessible and the desired width. This will be the most common type of trail during the initial stage of development of the trail system. Once usage patterns are established, “Natural Trails” may be upgraded to “Secondary Trails” and eventually “Primary Trails” (see below).

Secondary / Off Road Trails These trails will aim to accommodate as many non-motorized users as possible. A development goal will be for these trails to be fully accessible, however trail topology in some areas as well as surface materials used may prove to be barriers on some sections of trail. Surface materials for off road trails will depend on the location and usage. Materials may include asphalt, limestone screening, granular and/or wood chips / bark mulches.

Primary Trail Signage is key in indicating that on-road or sidewalk sections of trail lead to other off road trail opportunities and may encourage citizens to explore trails as well as provide an easier and more direct route to their destination. Typically these trails will be either asphalt, cement or a granular surface. The width of these trails will typically accommodate many non-motorized users, and are most accessible. It is not expected that we will have any “Primary Trails” until usage patterns are determined on Secondary / Off Road Trails, described above.

Signage Way finding and information at trailheads is integral to a positive trail experience. Signs may be used for a variety of uses. Trailhead signage should include pictures of amenities available and a map of the route(s) available. Permissions for use of the trail will be listed as will contact information for maintenance requirements. Directional signage and distance markers are important to planning routes. Historical and environmental awareness can be developed within our trail systems promoting pride in our community and respect for our environment. The LucanTrails.ca domain name will be prominent on all signs so that trail users can look for a symbol / logo to identify a trail, and they will be able to remember the domain name when looking for more information from home. Vandal resistant material will be used to ensure that signs realize their lifespan.

Accessibility The goal of trail renovation and construction is to make trails as accessible as possible to all users. However, accessibilty for all potential users is not likely to be achieved until a trail has

5 received sufficient usage (and sufficient budget is available) to be upgraded to a Primary Trail construction, as described above. SECTION 8: New Trail Development and Infrastructure

PHASE ONE - Model Trail: One of the challenges of the Lucan Area Trails Association is convincing private landowners to allow the Association to build trails on their land. There are perceived risks to a landowner: insurance, maintenance, disruption, uninvited use by motorized vehicles (ATVs, etc.). The first trail built will be the most difficult – both in obtaining landowner permission and in ensuring the trail is built properly, with appropriate signage and other features, and that the trail is well- maintained. A positive reference from the first landowner combined with an attractive, well- used and well-maintained trail will allow the Association to get permission to build other trails in the community more easily than would otherwise be the case. Candidates for this model trail are:

A) Hodgins Trail: Paul Hodgins has already built a 3 kilometre trail northwest of Lucan, approximately ½ kilometre north of the Clandeboye curve. While the trail has some soft spots and signage should be improved, it would be a relatively easy trail to turn into a model of what we’d like to achieve in other areas around town. This trail may also be extended north to join up with McGillivray Drive.

B) Community Drive to Queen Street: The town owns a strip of land (unopened road allowance) connecting Community Drive (beside the Community Centre) to Queen Street (by the water tower), and a private landowner owns land on either side of the road allowance. A trail could be constructed on the road allowance, or it could be built in such a way that it connects with Elizabeth Street to the east if private landowner permission is obtained, and could also be constructed to provide easier access to the upper soccer fields for those parking at the dead-end area near the water tower. This trail would be highly visible to the community, which is a positive attribute. Construction of this trail will be dependant on obtaining Township approval. As an alternative, this trail could simply extend from the community centre to Elizabeth street in order to avoid the rather industrial section near the water tower. 6 C) Walnut Grove / Benn Drain: Walnut Grove is a new development is currently under construction in the northwest part of town. Establishing a trail on the north or south side of this drain (or both) will allow the Association to ensure a route is available for residents to follow the Benn Drain down as far as the Coursey Road, if downstream landowner approval can be achieved. Construction of this trail will be dependant on obtaining Township approval.

D) Martens’ Trail: Jackie Martens owns a considerable amount of land on the west side of Coursey Line, 2 km to the west of Lucan. Jackie attended the inaugural meeting of the Association and appeared very willing to allow a trail on her land, which includes land along the Little Ausable river. While this trail would not be particularly visible to the public, it would allow the Association to show adjoining landowners an example of what we’re trying to achieve, and could allow us to construct a significant distance of trail in a relatively short period of time. It is noted that while the trail shown here is on the east side of the Little Ausable River, it may make sense to locate the trail on the west and north side of the river in order to allow the trail system to develop more quickly. Whichever candidate(s) are selected, signage will be developed and placed along trail sections identifying the route as part of the Lucan Trails system. Initial development will use a Natural Trail style, although some sections may be upgraded to Secondary Trail/ Off Road standard if deemed necessary to address wet areas, in order to make the trail useable for as much of the year as possible.

PHASE TWO - Design and construct new trail. The selected project will depend on the willingness of landowners to allow the Association to work on their land, and may include a Phase One candidate that was not selected as the Model Trail. There are a number of other potential projects that would see use from residents including the following:

7 E) Southeast of Langford Lumber/Home Building Centre There is a significant area of land currently owned by Ed Butler that has some paths that have been created by local residents. If permission from Mr. Butler were obtained, the Association could improve these trails to bring them up to standards as per the Bruce Trail Users Guide, and could provide residents in the southwest part of Lucan with a means of walking to the Home Building Centre for shopping, or continuing on through to the Community Centre and arena.

F) Southwest of the town of Lucan There is a significant forested area approximately 400 m. south of Englands Collision Repair which is owned by several landowners in the area. This forest sees a lot of ATV use, and has some significant wet spots and ditches that would have to be addressed. But despite its disadvantages, this forest is relatively close to the town and would provide a sheltered area to walk, run and ride.

G) Continuation of Martens’ Trail (d) If the Martens trail is selected as the Model Trail, it may make sense to continue this trail along the Little Ausable River either towards the town of Lucan, or further downstream towards the conservation area, dependant on landowner approval.

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H) Continuation of Walnut Grove Trail (c) If the Walnut Grove Trail is selected as the Model Trail, it may make sense to continue this trail along the Benn Drain further downstream towards the forest at the corner of Coursey Line and Fallon Road.

Initial development will use a Natural Trail style, although some sections may be upgraded to Secondary Trail/ Off Road standard if deemed necessary to address wet areas, in order to make the trail useable for as much of the year as possible.

PHASE THREE – Continuation of Trail Development The Association is starting with $10,000 in funds donated by the Lucan District Lions Association. There is sufficient funding to incorporate the Association, obtain insurance to cover landowners, and build a couple of kilometres of trails to a Nature Trail standard. It is expected that as the initial trail development progresses, more funds could be requested and made available to the Association. The Association has 20 members who signed up at the inaugural meeting and has several other interested groups (Shamrock Running Club, Scouts, etc.) who can provide labour for trail building projects. With funding and volunteer labour in place, the biggest barrier to trail development is in obtaining permission from landowners. The initial strategy of the Association was to build the Model Trail on municipally-owned land because there were some potential trails available on town land that would be small and highly visible. This strategy, however, has not met with any success and so the strategy now is to prioritize the potential trails and approach landowners in that order. Once a landowner provides permission, the Association will work on that trail until it is nearing completion and then start looking for the next project. Trails other than those listed above will no doubt be added, and some projects listed above will no doubt be dropped if it appears landowner permission will not be forthcoming in the near future. In short, the priority list will need to be flexible.

9 Section 9: Sustainability / Supporting Trails

Marketing / Promotion Awareness of trails within and around Lucan is key in encouraging users to experience these recreational opportunities. The Lucan Area Trails Association is a member of Hike Ontario which provides technical advice, marketing support (through HikeOntario.com) and a common insurance provider. The LucanTrails.ca website will be featured prominently in signage along the developed trails. In addition, GeoCaching will be used to draw people from outside the municipality to Lucan trails. GeoCaching is an outdoor activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container (usually a tupperware container or ammo box) containing a logbook. Larger containers can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little value. Geocaching is most often described as a "game of high-tech hide and seek," sharing many aspects with benchmarking, trigpointing, orienteering, treasure-hunting, letterboxing, and waymarking. Lucan Trails may be featured in races such as the Shamrock Running Club’s St. Patricks Day 5K Run/Walk and the Annual Canada Day Lucan to Exeter or Exeter to Lucan Invitational Shamrock Half Marathon (ACDLTEOETLISHM). A logo for the Lucan Area Trails Association should be designed and introduced to the community as part of a trail promotion / environmental awareness event or publication.

Trail Maintenance Trails that are managed as part of the Lucan Trails network will be maintained by the Association. Maintenance will include: • Surface maintenance for trails where granular or wood chips have been used in the trail development • Tree and bush trimming along the sides of trails. • Winter maintenance will be minimal as the resources required to keep trails open after heavy snowfalls are beyond the capabilities of the Association, although some trails may be groomed for cross country skiing. Section 10: Risk Management While landowners are protected by Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act, the Association has an individual in charge of Risk Management. The Association is a non-profit limited liability corporation, so members of the Association are protected from lawsuits. And the Association is paying for $5 million in liability insurance through its association with Hike Ontario. Since there are no significant structures to be maintained within the trails, there is practically zero liability risk to landowners or the Association, but the insurance gives a peace of mind to members and landowners. Disclaimers will be included in signage as appropriate.

10 Section 11: Summary This Master Plan should be reviewed by the Association in order to provide a clear direction of the future of trail development in the Lucan area. The Township of Lucan Biddulph may wish to run public meetings detailing proposed trail construction if they wish it to become policy for the Township. If public meetings are held, the Association may wish to consider amendments to the Master Plan as a result of feedback during the public meetings, as appropriate. The Lucan Trails Master Plan is designed as a living document and is subject to change. It is recommended that this plan be reviewed by the Association annually with any amendments noted and provided to the Township if this document becomes part of the policy of the municipality. A Model Trail will be the first trail constructed. The order in which additional trails will be constructed will be based on an ongoing priority list of trails and the willingness of landowners to allow the Association to build trails on their land. This priority list will evolve over time with potential trails being added and removed from the list depending on current landowner willingness. Local marketing for the trails will be concentrated on the LucanTrails.ca website, the domain name for which will be featured prominently in signage. A logo for Lucan Trails will be designed and introduced to the community as part of a trail promotion / environmental awareness event or publication. Marketing outside of Lucan will be performed primarly through involvement in GeoCaching. Risk Management will be an integral part of development and management of the trails.

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