DESIRÉE DECOSTE

STAFF WRITER

If you’re looking for a beautiful scenic walk or bike ride through the county and want to keep track of your distance, the Millennium Trail has reached another milestone with the installation of kilometre markers.

The 46-kilometre multi-use trail stretches from Carrying Place at County Road 64 to Picton at County Road 49, passing near Consecon, Wellington and Bloomfield.

With the Picton trailhead located near Lake Street, residents and visitors can easily delve into the various restaurants, diverse businesses and cultural attractions offered within historic downtown Picton.

“The Prince Edward County (PEC) Trails Committee, municipal staff and many volunteers have done an incredible job moving this project forward,” said Steve Ferguson, Mayor of the County of Prince Edward. “I have heard a lot of positive feedback in the improvements and we are excited many more individuals and families will be able to access this amenity.”

The kilometre markers are part of the revitalization of the trail which includes resurfacing and grading new directional and safety signage and staging areas.

According to the County’s website, www.pecounty.on.ca , the Millennium Trail was acquired by The County from the Canadian National Railway in 1997. The Millennium Trail is a repurposed abandoned rail line that was converted into a multi-use recreational feature for the enjoyment of County residents and visitors. The trail is popular amongst a wide array of recreational enthusiasts year round including cyclists, hikers, snowmobilers, ATV riders and cross country skiers.

“The generous individuals, businesses and community organizations that are recognized on these kilometre markers really provided the early momentum for the trail revitalization,” said Patrick Maloney, Chair of PEC Trails Committee. “They saw the potential of the old rail line becoming a vital link connecting our towns, villages and hamlets. We are happy to celebrate their contributions.”

The Millennium Trail Rehabilitation Ad-Hoc Committee is facilitating the work with Barry Davidson serving as the project lead. The Ad-Hoc Committee includes representatives from the municipality and the PEC Trails Committee.

Six trailhead locations are being established along the length of the trail which will include wayfinding signage and vehicle parking to allow for ease of access.

With a trailhead location already existing at West Street in Wellington, others are planned for at:

Novotny Court in Carrying Place
Salem Road in Consecon
Station Road in Hillier
Stanley Street in Bloomfield
Lake Street in Picton
County Road 49 in Picton

In support of the project the PEC Trails Committee has fundraised $110,000 and the municipality has dedicated $370,000 between 2017-2019.

“There is much work to do, but this feels like we’re in the home stretch,” Davidson said. “This work had made the trail more accessible and promotes an active lifestyle for both County residents and visitors alike.”

To add, a two-kilometre stretch of the trail goes through two wetland areas in Hillier and will feature several ‘eco passages.’ The design is to provide small animals such as turtles a safe way to cross the trail. This part of the trail is made possible by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation with a $15,000 grant.

For more information please visit the county’s website http://www.thecounty.ca/county-government/municipal-projects/millennium-trail-upgrade-project/ or email info@pectrails.ca

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