Public trails need publicity
One of summer’s simplest but greatest pleasures is heading out for a long walk on a sunny afternoon.
The trail could lead through a cool, green forest, along the banks of a rushing river or past stately Victorian homes in the heart of a city.
Something new will lie around each bend, and while the destination matters it’s the journey that does most for body and soul.
Waterloo Region is rich with hundreds of kilometres of trails just waiting to be explored by local residents on foot or bicycle.
Unfortunately, not enough people are aware of these priceless outdoor resources.
How many area residents know the Trans Canada Trail — which bills itself as the world’s longest network of recreational trails — passes through this region or, if they do, where it runs? Could you find the Walter Bean Trail? Or how many realize they could walk the Grand Valley Trails’ 275 kilometres from Lake Erie through this region then all the way to the outskirts of Orangeville?
It’s time that changed — and we look to our local governments for help.
The City of Kitchener recently stepped up to this task by committing itself to erecting more signs along its 200 kilometres of city trails.
In fairness the city, like other local municipalities, has already posted lots of signs to show people the way. But most of its trail network is unmarked. That makes it harder for people to locate a trail and keep from getting lost once they’re on it.
Kitchener’s plan won’t break the bank. The work might cost $50,000 and take place over a few years.
But the city deserves credit for realizing the value of its trails — not only as ideal routes for healthy, affordable recreation but as ways for people to get to work, shop or socialize without venturing onto busy streets.
Kitchener’s efforts should inspire Cambridge, Waterloo and the region as well as Woolwich, Wilmot, Wellesley and North Dumfries townships to do an inventory of their trail signs.
It’s almost certain more signage would show people new pathways to walk.
But that should just be the start of a more co-ordinated and concerted effort from local municipalities.
The regional government’s website does a fine job listing some local trails, such as the ones in 17 regional forests.
The website also provides useful links to other local municipal websites with their treasure trove of trail information.
But there are gaps. It takes digging to learn about the Avon Trail, which runs from Conestogo to St. Mary’s in Perth County.
No website seems to mention the Grand Valley Trails system, which offers some of the best pathways in Ontario.
Perhaps aware of the need, Kitchener is getting ready to create a new master plan for its trail system.
As welcome as that is, it would be even better if this turned into a regionwide initiative that gave us a single website and one map with all the information. There’s so much out there. The public just needs a better guide.