A popular trail in Owen Sound’s southwest end is closed and some work needs to be done before it can reopen.
Nine Bends Trail is a sloped walkway that connects Greenwood Cemetery to 1st Street West — near the entrance to Harrison Park — and is closed due to public safety concerns.
A staff report providing council an update on the condition of the trail will be presented during Tuesday’s meeting concerning the city’s multi-year capital plan.
The trail is closed due to slope failure, which has impacted drainage and brought down several trees. A few sink holes have also appeared along the trail over the last several years.
“Some trees remain at risk of falling and the trail will remain closed until we can ensure it is safe to reopen,” a social media update from the city says.
City staff are recommending council approve spending up to $70,000 to complete an engineering analysis of Nine Bends Trail, as well as preliminary design of potential remediation options.
“The trail is a well-used connection,” Owen Sound’s Director of Community Services Pam Coulter says in a report. “The last trail counter data reported use from July 2021 to February 2022. In July, it is estimated that there were 4,800 pedestrians counted, with a monthly average of 2,925.”
Tree damage along Nine Bends Trail in Owen Sound. (image from report to Owen Sound council)