The Saugeen Rail Trail Association hopes to do something about trail safety around Highway 21.
Group president Dela Avle gave an annual update to council March 11th, on the association’s work over the past year.
He says the group will continue its maintenance work on the trail, adding, “We will in addition, try and tackle some of the safety issues. The big one I’ll mention that we really want to attack head-on has been safety around Highway 21.”
Highway 21 belongs to the province’s Ministry of Transportation, (MTO) and the group and the Town continue to talk with Ministry reps about possible safety improvements.
Avle says some ideas include better signage or flashing lights, a reduced speed limit or a controlled crossing.
He added, “It’s critically important that people feel safe crossing that road,” adding he’s seen people standing at Highway 21 for a long time waiting for a safe opportunity to cross.
The association would like to see hardscaping along the road shoulders to offer a safe, even surface when transitioning from gravel to the asphalt. Avle points out it’s not just used by people on mountain bikes, there are people in wheelchairs who would appreciate a smoother transition.
CAO Kara Van Myall noted the Town continues to work on safety measures in the area of Highway 21. She says they were told at last year’s Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference, that the MTO was doing some studies on it.
“The intent is that we continue to work at a staff level,” says Van Myall, adding, “We’re very hopeful, staff to staff, that we can move something forward, and if not, then I think we’ll be raising it again for council to bring forward at either ROMA or AMO.” (Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference).
Meanwhile, Avle says some of the work that was done by rail trail volunteers in 2023 included the replacement of all crossing stop signs with new ones to meet standards of Ontario Trails Council.
They also planted an additional 25 nursery trees along the trail. They say a number of flowering shrubs are still waiting for planting. They improved safety features by installing two solar powered 24-hour flashing beacons on full size “Stop Ahead” signs at approaches to crossings. They added, 911 emergency response location identification signage installed at more isolated sections of the trail.
They also purchased an electric battery-operated lawn mower to replace a gas-powered mower to ensure all maintenance equipment is ‘zero-emission’ equipment.
Volunteers have also been working to remove invasive garlic mustard plants from along the trail.
Avle says, unfortunately, there has been some vandalism, for example, two break-ins at the Perkins Park Equipment Shed which are still under investigation. There has also been graffiti at the two trail head history pavilions with extensive damage at the River Street Rotary Trailhead washroom.”
Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt called the vandalism ‘sickening.’
The association says it’s also considering extending the trail to Denny’s Dam, and adding a link to Tomlinson and to Eastgate. They’re also considering expanded uses like cross county skiing, and possibly adding digitized QR Code maps along trail.
They say they’re always looking for new members and volunteers and donations. The town has allocated about $21,000 to the rail trail for 2024.