Gerry Berkhout Trail opens Saturday

Pelham will open a nearly sixkilometre-long trail along the former TH&B railway line this weekend and name it for a former citizen of the year and town councillor.

The Gerry Berkhout Trail officially opens Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Centennial Park trail entrance and the town and its Active Transportation Committee is inviting everyone to come out.

A release from the town said the trail recognizes Berkhout, a Lions Club member and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, who long ago recognized the potential of the trail used by walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders, cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

“It is a great honour and very humbling to have this trail named after me,” said Berkhout in the release.

“I have walked many miles on this trail and have known its hidden value for so long. It makes me happy to know that the people of Pelham now have the opportunity to enjoy it and come to love it as much as I do.”

The trail — its name approved in 2017 by Pelham council — has entry points at Murdoch Street and Centennial Park, at 999 Church St.

“Pelham is filled with beautiful trails, this being one of them,” said Ward 1 Coun. Richard Rybiak.

“Many people played a role in this trail’s dedication, but none more than Gerry himself, who showed us all what a beautiful stretch of nature we have here in Pelham.”

The trail will officially open at 10:30 a.m., marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting.