Citizens Make Their Voices Heard Over Trans Canada Trail

Wednesday, 4 November 2015 06:46

The first public meeting about the Trans Canada Trail brought out people from both sides of the issue.

SPRINGFORD - Residents of Oxford County filled the Springford Community Hall to hear information on the proposed Trans Canada Trail.

The nationwide project is attempting to have a trail connect coast to coast but approximately 27km of it still needs to come through Oxford County.

Director of Public Works for Oxford County, Robert Walton, answered questions for an hour and a half last night. "I thought the meeting went very well! We had people that are definitely in favour of this project, we had people that have concerns about this project, and everyone voiced their opinion. That's what we wanted to happen. We didn't get into any individual one on one conversations because we intend to have them individually with the people. The third meeting isn't yet planned - probably around February when we have more details for people." If the trail were to completed grant funding would make up $560 000 of the $870 000 expected cost and it would begin in early 2016 so it could be completed by Canada's 150th birthday in 2017.

Warden of Oxford County David Mayberry was on hand for the event and spoke with Heart FM about the concerns that were raised by the public. "Having people wandering off the trail and onto their property - I think the other issue, and we heard it from a couple of different people, was the cost. But when we look at the operating cost of other recreational activities it is relatively cheap. I also think it is important to remember that we should be practicing community responsibility, we need to take care of each other."

The municipal cost is $310 000, but the county will be take on the majority of it (85%) while the Town of Tillsonburg will bear the rest (15%). The trail would connect to a current walking path in Tillsonburg and stretch across Oxford and then it head into Norfolk County.

Warden Mayberry explains why having the trail in Oxford would be beneficial. "Trails are good for tourists especially as we look down the road there is going to be far more active transportation, people interested in hiking, biking, that sort of thing, taking day trips. There is an economic spin off, there is also the value of the health of people. Physical activity is good for us, it is healthy for us, and this promotes that kind of activity as well."

The next public meeting will be held this Thursday at the Tillsonburg Complex from 7-9pm.

Oxford County makes up one of the over 10 communities in the province who currently do not have the trail going into their community.