PEMBROKE — The County of Renfrew is moving ahead on upgrading sections of the Algonquin Trail as planned. The Algonquin Trail Advisory Committee previously directed staff to focus initial trail upgrades in urban areas, and those areas that would connect the Algonquin Trail to other existing trail systems. Last December the Trail saw three opening ceremonies in Arnprior, Renfrew, and Petawawa. The plan continues to be to upgrade and open sections in an outward direction from these urban areas to close any gaps as funding develops over the coming years.
At the May 8th meeting of the Algonquin Trail Advisory Committee, staff presented the 2018 work plan for trail upgrades throughout the County of Renfrew. Several sections of the discontinued CP Rail corridor will be improved for use later this summer, with HUGE assistance from the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling program.
After consultation with local municipalities, the County partnered to complete several sections in local areas, and will be receiving attention in various forms, including grading, brushing, compaction and/or stone dust suitable for cycling. Several control gates will also be installed at the same time as trail etiquette and safety signage is erected.
Arnprior – Completion of the trail from John Street east to the Lanark/Ottawa border
McNab/Braeside – From Division Street to Sand Point
Renfrew – Work will be limited due to the Downtown Revitalization efforts
Horton – From the bridge over the Bonnechere River to Cotieville
Whitewater Region – Through the village of Cobden, from Astrolabe Road to Turcotte Road
Laurentian Valley – From TV Tower Road to Forest Lea Road (between Pembroke and Petawawa)
City of Pembroke – From Pembroke Street West through to TV Tower Road
Laurentian Hills – From the Village of Chalk River (Main Street), north towards Wylie Road
The County of Renfrew is reminding residents that only certain sections are currently open for public use. The key focus is on safety and residents should only be utilizing the sections of the trail that are open. The Algonquin Trail is 218 km in length and it will take a lot of work and investment to connect all the sections into one continuous multi-use trail. The County of Renfrew encourages users to view the maps on their website that clearly show what sections are currently open and what sections are under construction.
Chair of the Algonquin Trail Advisory Committee (ATAC), Councillor Bob Sweet said, “Investments from the Province and local partnerships are key pieces to seeing more kilometres of the Algonquin Trail open this year. The Algonquin Trail represents an opportunity to realize growth for economic development, tourism and active transportation. This four season multi-use trail connects us to approximately four thousand kilometres of other trails in the Province.”
It is anticipated that by the end of the summer, at least 65 kms of the Algonquin Trail will be open for enjoyment. Until such time, the public is reminded that most other areas of the trail remain closed. A website link will soon be available that will share information about mapping, and the management plan—www.ottawavalleytrail.com.
Renfrew County, Lanark County and the Township of Papineau-Cameron formed a partnership in 2011 and recently signed a lease and donation agreements to acquire ownership of the 296 kilometre abandoned Canadian Pacific Rail between Smiths Falls and Mattawa. The County’s portion of the corridor runs from the Arnprior/Ottawa border in the south to the Renfrew/Mattawa border in the North. The intent is to work with local municipalities, the public and other partners to develop the multi-use trail.
