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 Lucan Biddulph:.......................................................................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 Ontario, 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 Cincinnati, Ohio who, after being forced to leave Ohio as a result of the enforcement of the state's "Black Laws", formed the Wilberforce Colony 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 Canada 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