The Blue Mountains is giving 50 thousand dollars to the proposed upgrade of the Georgian Cycle and Ski Trail.
Asphalt paving of urban sections of the Georgian Trail is part of a proposed one million upgrade project.
The Georgian Cycle and Ski Trail Association is applying for funding under the Recreation Infrastructure Canada Program.
Under the program, the federal and provincial governments would each provide one-third of the funding.
The Georgian Trail Board of Management would cover most of the other third from existing reserves, but needs about 125 thousand dollars from the three partner municipalities.
They’re asking The Blue Mountains and Collingwood for 50 thousand dollars each — and Meaford is being asked to contribute 25 thousand dollars.
Blue Mountains Council approved a 50 thousand dollar contribution on Monday night, with the funds coming from reserves from Development Charges.
The work will include resurfacing of the entire trail.
Councillor Bob Gamble — one of the municipal representatives on the Board — says pesticides and other chemicals are no longer used on the trail.
And He notes grass and weeds are encroaching on the existing limestone surface.
Gamble told council that, in some sections, the trail width has been reduced from three and a half meters to about one meter.
The work would include cutting back vegetation and resurfacing most of the trail with limestone screenings.
But stretches of the trail through the urban areas of Meaford, Thornbury and Collingwood would have asphalt paving to accommodate wheelchairs and skateboards and to provide a better surface for bicyclists.
The project would also include additional benches, more trail markers, and repairs to a bridge over Workman Creek in Meaford.
The town’s contribution will only be paid if the application is successful.