Construction for new water infrastructure in Wellington has left a segment of the Millennium trail north of the village not just closed but in complete disarray.

Piping to connect the village’s new water tower near the Wellington and District Community Centre to the Water Treatment Plant west of the village has Millennium Trail users and advocacy groups demanding a clear timeline, plan, and budget for its restoration.

“The Trails Committee has always recognized the need for infrastructure investment to support the growth of the County,” said PEC Trails Committee Chair Gregor Stuart at the May 29 Committee of the Whole. “We acknowledge the Trail is a utilities corridor.”

But while the municipality pledged to restore the trail to its pre-construction condition, PEC Trails wonders what kind of budget has been set for the project.

Compliance with the County’s Tree Management and Preservation Policy also concerns Trail advocates. Mr. Stuart said native trees and grasses should be used in reforestation efforts, and regular watering to get any new planting established was an open question.

Mr. Stuart requested a final walkthrough with the contractor, as well as with the County’s Planning, Engineering, and Operations departments to identify the needs and plans. He asked that the PEC Field Naturalists be included as well.

Councillor Corey Engelsdorfer noted there’s been disappointment regarding the destruction of the trail and communication in advance of restoration attempts was vital.

Interim CAO Adam Goheen said discussions with stakeholders, delivering on what was promised prior to the commencement of construction, and meeting with County engineers was a good framework moving forward.

“We will get together and figure out how to make the Trail just as good as it was if not better than before construction got underway,” he said.