A new trail could be the next 'gateway to Guelph.'
The proposed transportation network extension to the Trans Canada Trail would run adjacent to the Guelph Junction Railway tracks connecting downtown and the nearby planned Guelph Innovation District (GID) development on Victoria Rd., near York Rd.
"We are calling this the 'gateway to the extension to the Trans Canada Trail.' The Guelph Junction Railway is still in operation, but only once or twice a day. So, it's not like it's a high speed GO train," said Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation advocacy chair Mike Darmon.
"The trail would run along the side of the tracks, and would continue all the way through The Ward neighbourhood."
With the implementation of more safe and enjoyable active transportation and transit mobility options, including the proposed trail, Darmon believes people will have more choices to live in a sustainable, walkable, mixed use communities and have mobility options for everyday short trips, instead of using a car.
GCAT'S mission is to increase active transportation such as walking and biking, as an equitable, safe, enjoyable, and preferred way to get around resulting in a healthier, more sustainable, and connected community.
The trail is GCAT'S vision for an accessible active transportation network extension to the Trans Canada Trail which ends near the River Run Centre.
"It goes all the way to Riverside Park and is also part of the Guelph to Goderich Trail," Darmon said.
"The route from downtown Guelph to the innovation district along the Guelph Junction Railway, is the most direct and comfortable route for someone using active transportation to get to downtown. This passes destinations along York and Victoria and avoids conflict with vehicles along pinch points on Victoria," Darmon said.
"The connection, including a Ward to Downtown bridge, could fix the dangerous desire line that is created by the adjacent Guelph Junction Railway train tracks. A connection through this corridor is desirable for accessing the community node of Victoria and York. however, this area is currently inaccessible."
City officials recently announced the Ward to Downtown bridge project has been cancelled, but Darmon is hoping to see it brought back.
Darmon said the multi-use path would continue along Victoria and Cross at York at the existing crossing. It would then veer off right toward a laneway and bypass an uncomfortable stretch of Victoria.
"The existing Victoria-adjacent laneway of Florence Lane would continue as an active transportation access corridor to the Royal Recreation Trail by the river," Darmon said.
The bi-directional cycle track on the West side of Victoria over the river allows northbound cycle traffic to join the Royal Recreation Trail on the preferred side of the river without an additional crossing needed.
"This crossing serves many connections from the GID to the existing greater Guelph trail network.This is an existing crossing for the Guelph Radial Line Trail East that continues to Barber Scout Camp and hiking loops. West, are trails to the Arboretum, the University of Guelph, and an alternative single-track trail to downtown" Darmon said.
As for The Ward neighbourhood, Darmon said the community has a rich heritage with a legacy of valued industrial, institutional and residential buildings that defines its unique character.
"As the neighbourhood has evolved in recent years with the addition of new apartment buildings and townhouses, the conservation and reuse of historic buildings have helped to maintain its character," Darmon said.
And with new development in the area, comes the desire for more accessible and innovative options for active transportation.
"Imagine the future with 12,000 new residents of the Guelph Innovation District, along with1500 new residents of the Woods Development all able to bike or walk to work , pick up some groceries or go downtown for a meal on a mostly off road trail, without using a car," Darmon said.
"This may become the first choice for many new residents because it is the most comfortable choice. For many others it’s also the most economical choice with the current high cost of housing and car ownership."
And, Darmon said, people could also have the option of biking from the GID, taking a mostly off-road trail ride, in a very direct path to Guelph Central Station.
"Because there are so many people coming to the city, and no more lanes being added to roads, it's better to have someone choose a bicycle over a vehicle. It's about giving people choices and easier ways to get downtown," said Jason Szewc from GCAT.
"In the older parts of town, because the roads are narrow, it is safer riding a bicycle because cars are travelling at lower speeds. Cities are starting to see that and are planning newer neighbourhoods accordingly."
Darmon hopes the community can one day, enjoy a new tree lined trail as they approach downtown.
"On weekends you can ride with the family into The Ward and catch a Ward Night Market, invite friends to visit Spring Distillery for a drink or continue your ride over the river on the Ward to Downtown pedestrian bridge to enjoy dinner at one of our great patios. Instead of crossing a busy intersection a pedestrian underpass under the Macdonell Bridge, allows you easy access to the downtown and beyond to the Northbound Trans Canada / G2G trail," he said.
"This vision has to be our future if we are to ever meet our City of Guelph Climate Action goals and our commitment to the UN Race to 0 Pledge."
Darmon said the network will have the potential to be one of the highest use active transportation corridors with the lowest cost and highest return on investment in the city.
"The investment will also reap long term returns in improved mental and physical health and huge savings in cost to our health care system and to society as a whole," Darmon said.
"And it's not just easy, but the more enjoyable option too. This is going to be a trail, with beautiful scenery all along it. And it all fits in with the city's climate goals. I think that's what we need to get people to shift," Darmon said.
"This is the gateway to make something really great."
