Norfolk County is seeking public input on the future of the Waterford Heritage Trail.
To help gather opinions, the county has created an online community survey.
“When constructing or redeveloping an existing recreational trail, Norfolk County must consult with the public, persons with disabilities, and their municipal accessibility advisory committee on trail features,” says a post at engagenorfolk.ca where a survey is posted.
Public consultation is required under the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, says the site.
The status of the Waterford trail has been up for discussion since the trail association approached county council in March 2022 with a request for funds to pave 11 kilometers of the trail from Waterford north to the Brant County line.
At that time, the county’s portion of the estimated $600,000 project was $100,000. That request has since been rescinded after the trail group secured funding from the federal government to support the project.
At its July 12 meeting, county council heard concerns about possible accessibility issues with paving the trail.
“Asphalt doesn’t mean ‘accessible to all’,” said Terry Hannam, who said he’s part of a growing demographic that finds it difficult to walk on hard surfaces.
“Personally, I would like asphalt to be recognized as a barrier to accessibility,” he said.
At the same meeting, Andy Kooistra, a representative of the trail association, told council not all of the trail would be paved.
“We have 25 kilometers of trail in Waterford,” Kooistra said. “With this project half would be paved and half unpaved. Everyone who has a desire to use the trail would have a way to do it.”
Further, the county maintains about a meter of land on either side of the actual trail so those not wanting to walk on the pavement could walk to the side, he said.
In the end, councilors opted to get more information, including from the county’s accessibility committee, before making a decision.
Trail surface preference – pavement or limestone – is just one of the questions on the survey. The survey also asks about rest areas, trail widening, viewing areas, waste bins and shade shelters.
“By participating, you are helping shape the future of the Waterford Heritage Trail and how individuals of all ages and abilities are able to use the trail. This consultation process will gather information, identify and evaluate different design options and allow for users of this trail for their voices to be heard,” says the post.
The deadline to participate is Aug. 5.
With files from Susan Gamble