The trail committee here has picked up a $25,000 grant and will move ahead with improvements to a walking trail around the village.
Committee members Ian Turner and Dave Stack made a brief presentation to council on Dec. 17. The grant, which does not require matching funding from Wellington North, will be used on signage and improvements to a three-kilometre section of the 10km trail.
The committee received the grant recently from the Ministry of the Environment under its Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund.
“Eventually we have a plan to circle the village with a walking trail,” Stack told reporters after the presentation.
The first section will start at the new Lions Club park at the north end of town, extend down to the river and exit at the township pumping station on Wells Street. It will require some brush clearing and possible bridging over wet areas.
Stack said the trail has already been toured by representatives from the Grand River Conservation Authority to determine whether an environmental protection plan will be required to complete the work.
Turner added agreements with landowners to cross their property will proceed after council approves the trail plan.
“We still need to get the legal work done with private landowners,” Turner said.
The Lions Club is expected to assist with work required to clear sections of the trail.
“I think it will be a benefit to everyone in Arthur and in Wellington North,” Mayor Ray Tout said. “It’s fantastic for the community.”
Councillor Dan Yake thanked the committee members for their work in planning the trail and getting the grant.
