COURTNEY McCLURE, The Standard
SCUGOG: In 2021, the Township of Scugog developed their own strategy to support transportation throughout the municipality. The plan was created to last for many years.
A part of this plan includes using other modes of transportation, other than cars, and enhancing those systems. For example, there are many walking trails around the municipality of Scugog and the surrounding area.
The Township’s Active Transportation (AT) and Transportation Master Plan (TMP) recommended a few facility improvements. This includes creating a link between the Waterfront Trail and Old Rail Lane, between the Water street roundabout (by the library in Port Perry) and the boat launch.
According to the Township’s director of public works and infrastructure services, Carol Coleman, the “proposed” path has already been approved by Scugog council; stating the TMP improves the path, and they can afford it through the Township’s budget.
“We are excited about this project, as part of the Township of Scugog’s Active Transportation and Transportation Master Plan,” said Ms. Coleman.
The Township wrote, the “permeable” path would be accessible, complying with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requirements.
You can find a drawing of the path on the Township of Scugog’s website, on the right-hand side of the webpage, titled “Old Lane Trail Connection.”
The trail is going to be built by a non-profit organization, located within the Kawartha Lakes region, called Kawartha Conservation. They have partnered with the Township of Scugog and obtained funding from the RBC Foundation to help support the project.
Ms. Coleman said the project would start later this summer but did not give a specific date.
The design for the trail was completed last year. It was also presented to the Scugog Environmental Advisory Committee to receive their input. The committee helped identify any trees conflicting with the construction of the trail.
In Ontario, Norway Maples are considered an invasive species, according to the committee. These trees produce seeds at a fast rate and are able to survive certain conditions. So, they could overtake certain areas, eliminating native species.
“Invasive plant species like the Norway Maples will be removed, to be replaced with native species, making way for the permeable paved trail,” she explained.
In the fall of this year or spring of next year, any remaining trees along the boulevard will be removed and replaced with native species.
For general questions or inquiries about this project, you can send them to works@scugog.ca.