Volunteers, officials, and members of the public gathered on Saturday, September 19 for a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the Mitchell’s Bay North Lakeshore Trail. The new trail travels along Lake St Clair for 1.8 kilometres, and features a 2.40 metre wide granular surface.
The trail is one of three municipal trails in the area, providing more than 4 kilometres of trails in and around Mitchell’s Bay. Other municipal trails in the area include the Memorial Park Trail and the Mitchell’s Bay South Lakeshore Trail.
The Mitchell’s Bay North Lakeshore Trail was originally proposed by the Mitchell’s Bay Association, and recommended as a priority project to the Municipality by the Chatham-Kent Trails Council. Funding for the trail construction was provided by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Trails Lifecycle Budget.
The North Lakeshore Trail provides a way to explore the Lake St Clair shoreline and view a natural waterfront area restored by Ontario NativeScape. The Trail’s construction was possible through a land-use agreement signed by the Municipality with landowners willing to allow public access for trails through their property.
Jeff Bray, Manager of Parks Cemeteries and Horticulture with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, explained that this is one of several other municipal trail projects completed or in development in 2015. “This significant investment in trails, by both the Municipality, and the volunteers, will help more people in Chatham-Kent be more active, more often.”
Chatham-Kent Trails Council member, John Te Sligte, was on hand to cut the ribbon and offer remarks. “We are proud to have advocated for the Mitchell’s Bay North Lakeshore Trail,” he said. “It has strengthened our relationship with the Mitchell’s Bay Area Association and Ontario Nativescape, and we hope to continue to work with them on future projects. Everyone in Chatham-Kent can enjoy the trail and newly rehabilitated wetland.”
Following the ribbon cutting, participants enjoyed a Group Led Walk of the trail by WalkCK.
For a map of the trail, along with maps of other Chatham-Kent trails, visit www.chatham-kent.ca/trails.
