From Essex to A’burg

Runners, walkers and cyclists will soon be able to jump onto the Greenway Trail in Essex and take it to Amherstburg.

Essex Region Conservation Authority held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday and announced a $250,000 donation from Cypher Systems Group to kick-start construction of the 26-kilometre crushed limestone trail.

The Cypher Systems Group Greenway will intersect the Chrysler Canada Greenway in McGregor. It’s expected to be finished by the end of the year.

The town of Essex also presented $100,000 to the Essex Region Conservation Foundation Trail On! campaign.

“It’s a trail that’s going to attract a lot of people, on bikes and people who want to walk and enjoy the air,” said Ed Sleiman, ERCA chair. “It’s one of the best things we can do for everyone.”

Dave Dyer, Cypher Systems chief operating officer, said the donation is part of the company’s desire to help build a vibrant community.

Dyer, from Toronto, said the area should be proud of its trail system.

“I love the trails here and you shouldn’t take them for granted. If you are out and you are a walker, there are so many trails. I don’t think people really understand what we have here.”