A much-anticipated trail in Chatham’s west end was officially opened on Sunday morning.
The Greenfield Global Trail, formerly known as the Round the River Route, is a 21.5 km cycling route that travels around the Thames River, along Grande River Line and Riverview Line.
The route features bike lanes on both sides of each road, as well as multi-use pathways.
Sponsors included the provincial government, Greenfield Global, Trans Canada Trail, St. Clair College, Chatham Rotary Club and the Chatham-Kent Trails Council.
Angelo Ligori, an advisor to Greenfield and long-time backer of the project, called it a milestone day after about a decade of planning and collaboration.
“I just wanted to let everyone know that it’s true that it’s possible to do the impossible,” he said, referring to some initial opposition in the community to the project.
A large number of trail users of all ages were on hand for Sunday’s opening.
Genevieve Champagne, Chatham-Kent’s active transportation and special event co-ordinator, said given that June is bike month, it was an appropriate time to celebrate.
“We wanted to honor this month by having the grand opening of this event,” Champagne said. “The first promotion is if you want bike lights, cycle down to your local library and you can pick up a free bike light.
“Secondly, we have these amazing bike repair units. They will be popping up throughout the municipality.”
Champagne also said the newly revised Chatham-Kent cycling map is now available.
Mayor Darrin Canniff credited everyone who was involved in making the trail possible, calling it a good example of public-private partnership.
“What a wonderful addition to Chatham-Kent,” he said. “I look forward to the day when we can have trails like this all through Chatham-Kent. … We want people to get out and be active.
“Chatham-Kent is growing and this is a big part of it. People when they come to Chatham-Kent, when they’re looking at communities, they’re looking for assets like this.”