The Windsor-Essex Bike Community (WEBC) has received the green light for phase three of their trail project.
Town council has authorized the trails, which will be connected to the first two phases that are located at the Libro Centre. The “conditional approval” allows WEBC to begin its fundraising efforts, with a goal of roughly $30,000.
The “conditional approval” also calls for WEBC to get permission from town administration to begin trail construction when the money is raised, based on feedback from the town’s master plan for the Libro Centre.
James Braakman, one of the directors with WEBC, was flanked by other members of the cycling community’s team as he presented to council.
“WEBC has fundraised over $100,000 in local donations to construct the Libro Centre trails to date,” Braakman stated. “We’ve had 18 local businesses that have donated to the project and over 70 residents have also contributed to the project to date.”
According to Braakman and the group’s presentation, the estimated value of the trails is $750,000. That is the value that was estimated if they were constructed by a paid contractor.
“We feel that we’ve contributed a lot of value to the community,” he said.
Statistics presented to town council by WEBC stated that over 4,000 volunteer hours were put in to construct the first two phases of the three-phase project with over 50 volunteers involved. Approximately five kilometres of trails have been built to date with the third and final phase adding two more. Braakman said about 120 dump truck loads of dirt have been used.
“It gives you an idea of the scope of the project we’ve been able to accomplish so far,” said Braakman.
A free WEBC youth program with over 100 riders has been launched since the first two phases of the trails were constructed, he said.
“A lot of people are talking about this project. There’s a lot of buzz,” he said.
Braakman said over 1,500 local and out-of-town riders are estimated to have ridden the Libro Centre trails. The third phase would again be built by volunteers, he added, with it having an “intermediate” level of trail difficulty.
The targeted completion date would be late spring or early summer 2025.
The linked trail system would make it the largest bike trail system in the region, Braakman told town council. He said it would be “another feather in Amherstburg’s cap” and something the town could be proud of.
A third phase would allow for more races, skill clinics and other large scale events, he said, and other user groups could access it as well. Braakman noted North Star High School’s “Mountain Monsters” as one of the groups as well as trail runners and cross country racers.
“What this trail has done is made impacts remarkable impacts to the community to this point,” he said, thanking council for its prior support.
Councillor Linden Crain thanked WEBC for its efforts.
“You’ve created a masterpiece, one this region can be proud of,” said Crain.
Crain noted the condition regarding the Libro Centre master plan, with Braakman said they have worked well with director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon and would go along with any suggestions she and her team would have.
Councillor Don McArthur said he uses the first two phases often when they are open. He noted he was enthused with the number of youth that attended the council meeting to support the request.
Councillor Molly Allaire asked when the master plan would be approved, with Baillargeon saying the goal is to have consultation wrapped up by mid-April. She said the first part of the year will be busy compiling it and meeting with stakeholders.
Councillor Diane Pouget said she was grateful to WEBC for raising the money in the past and wanted confirmation that the money had to be raised for the third phase to start. Mayor Michael Prue noted there is a proviso where if funds couldn’t be raised, WEBC would come back to the town.
“I don’t see that happening,” said Prue.
Braakman added previous phases have seen the group do more than what was planned due to successfully fundraising. He said funds have already been raised for phase three.
“I don’t forecast it being a problem. We don’t want to start something unless we can finish it,” he said. “We need the money to do it. We’re not going to start unless we have the money to do it properly.”
Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb also thanked WEBC for its efforts, noting volunteers have done great work in town.
Prue asked where the money would come from “in the tiny off chance the money couldn’t be raised.” Baillargeon said they would come back with a report if that were to happen.
Pouget asked about the status of the reserves, stating council was advised they are “quite low.” She said she was concerned about going into reserves to complete the project.
McArthur said the recommendation was conditional approval to “beat the bushes” for funding like WEBC did for the first two phases.
“They are going to do it. There’s no question in my mind,” he said. “Let’s not invent problems that don’t exist.”
Braakman said WEBC isn’t looking to request funds as they want to undertake the project at no cost to taxpayers.
“We’re not going to start the project until we get the money. Be rest assured,” said Braakman.
By Ron Giofu
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