Niagara partners celebrate the completion of 10 major projects and the connection of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail to the Greater Niagara Circle Route

JORDAN – Residents of southern Ontario can now bike, hike or jog from the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail to the Greater Niagara Circle Route, thanks to the completion of 10 major projects in the Niagara section of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail.

To mark the occasion, the Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee and the Niagara Freewheelers Bicycling Touring Club each rode from the opposite ends of the Niagara’s Waterfront Trail, and met at the Historical Museum of Jordan in Jordan Village. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration followed, in which Peter Partington, Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara, Bill Hodgson, Mayor of Lincoln, and Vicki Barron, Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, thanked partners John Maloney, MP for Welland, Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of Tourism and Recreation, and local municipalities and bicycling organizations for their leadership and commitment to trail infrastructure.

These projects are an important contribution towards improving the quality of life in the Niagara region. Part of a plan that will eventually create approximately 70 kilometres of Waterfront Trail in Niagara, the completed projects include:

• The creation of dedicated paved bike lanes along the North Service Road through Grimsby, Lincoln, and on R.R. 26;
• Sections of trail in Fort Erie and Port Colborne;
• Sections of Trail and Victoria Shores Waterfront Parkette in Lincoln;
• A connection to Ball’s Falls through Twenty Valley; and
• Creation of a trail-staging area at the historic Elizabeth Pumphouse in Grimsby.

The Niagara projects are one part of a major program coordinated by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust to enhance and expand the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail. The Federal and Provincial governments have each provided up to $4.6 million through the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program to fund 53 projects covered by the program.

Partner municipalities, conservation authorities and community groups are contributing $23 million for a total investment of $32 million in the Waterfront Trail. Of that, $4.8 million will be invested in the Niagara Region.

“These waterfront project components allow residents of the Niagara Region and beyond to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds our communities,” said Mr. Maloney. “Important partnerships are being formed across Ontario and together, under the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program, we are working to ensure residents have the communities they desire with an abundance of green spaces and recreational possibilities.”

“The 10 completed trail sections are great news for the tourism industry in Niagara,” said
Mr. Bradley. “The Waterfront Trail is an exciting new attraction for Niagara residents and tourists alike.”

Mr. Partington said: “Niagara Region is proud to be part of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail building program that enhances access to our natural environment and connects communities. Increased use of our waterfront has many benefits for residents, communities and businesses.”

“Connecting people with opportunities to promote fitness and to enjoy our beautiful outdoor amenities and unique town and country communities is what this initiative is all about. However, connecting communities, connecting governments, and connecting infrastructure investments is how we effectively get there. This is what we are celebrating today,” said Mr. Hodgson.

The investment will result in 125 kilometres of new trail and trail connections; six major waterfront promenades; two bridges; improvements to over 20 waterfront parks; five new cultural heritage facilities; interpretation of over 20 waterfront habitats; four major brownfield rehabilitation projects; six significant waterfront habitat restoration projects; and three harbour/marina revitalization projects.

“The Waterfront Trail and Greenway is a national and provincial resource that serves over six million people – 59 per cent of Ontario’s population and per cent of the national population,” says Ms. Barron. “It offers people an excellent recreational experience. We are very proud of the enhancements that have been created by our partners and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the Trail. The Trust’s redesigned website features 90 detailed, full-colour maps of the route to help you plan your own trip,” said Barron who cycled to the event with local bicycle touring clubs.

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Contacts:
Marlaine Koehler, Waterfront Regeneration Trust Corporation (416) 943-8080
Ken Forgeron, Regional Municipality of Niagara (905) 984-3630
Peggy Stewart, Ontario Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (416) 325-4827
Sam Boonstra, Industry Canada (416) 952-0468
For more information, visit: www.ic.gc.ca/coip-pico or www.pir.gov.on.ca
Project Reference Number: 2359

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