Hamilton’s Mountain Brow multi-use trail receives green light from city councillors
Hamilton councillors approved the proposed 25-kilometre Mountain Brow multi-use trail that will eventually be built across the mountain. However, it will take at least $9 million over 20 years to build the pathway, linking communities from Ward 6 to Ward 9 along the top of the Niagara Escarpment.
“This enhances the quality of life for citizens,” said Mountain Coun. Tom Jackson at the July 13 council meeting. “It will provide even more opportunities for visitors to explore the panoramic views of our city. I think this is taxpayers’ money well spent.”
The beginnings of the multiuse trail started in Ward 6, with the city spending about $5 million for the asphalt multi-use pathway along the Mountain Brow to Kenilworth Circle and Mohawk Road, said Jackson.
In 2015, Mountain Brow Boulevard between Oakcrest Drive and Mohawk Road East was reconstructed with upgraded sewers. The project incorporated the multi-use trail at the time. In 2016, the city installed solarpowered path lights on top of new
decorative lamps.
Jackson said he has received nothing but “accolades, compliments and support” for the project.
The proposed multi-use trail will extend the pathway to Iroquoia Heights Conservation Area and to the Devil’s Punchbowl in Stoney Creek, as close to the Mountain Brow as possible.
The preferred routes for the three- to four-metre-wide asphalt pathway include using Sanatorium Road, Denlow Avenue/Garth Street near Chedoke Falls; Inverness Avenue/Jolly Cut/Claremont Drive; and First Road East will be used to connect with the Devil’s Punchbowl.
The trail is planned to link to existing vistas and various other trails. The path will be wide enough to accommodate pedestrians, strollers and cyclists.
Various exercise equipment and benches are expected to be installed along designated locations.
Mountain Coun. Terry Whitehead said there will also be opportunities to install historical plaques to identify heritage locations along the route.
“Here is something on the Mountain that is certainly going to provide an excellent experience for those who love to walk or cycle,” he said.
The estimated $9-million cost for the project will be allocated over a 20-year period depending upon high priority locations. For instance, Whitehead said Scenic Drive is expected to be reconstructed with a bike lane and when it happens the trail could be integrated into the project’s cost. “It’s a great opportunity to provide the multimodal path,” said Whitehead.
The price tag for the trail could jump by as much as 15 per cent due to design work, permits and road reconstruction. Jackson said a possible next section of the trail could be from Kenilworth Circle to Upper Ottawa and Upper Gage, depending upon capital dollars available in the next budget.
“I think this continues to enhance and improve the image of the city,” said Jackson.