A two-night public activity was held in Erin last week to gather information for a Riverwalk Trail feasibility study.
Sean Kelly of Stempski Kelly Associates, the Fergus firm contracted to complete the study, said on April 27 the purpose of the open houses was to gather information from interested parties and residents on the best way to tackle the trail.
The study aims “to determine the feasibility of implementing a Riverwalk Trail for the Town of Erin with a specific focus on capturing the Lower West Credit River experience in downtown Erin and the Mill Pond located in Hillsburgh, both with connections to the Elora Cataract Trail and the town’s retail areas,” Kelly said.
The scope of the project includes Erin village, from the water tower through the downtown riverfront area, to the Elora Cataract Trail and the Mill Pond in Hillsburgh.
“What the town is trying to do is bring the two communities together, so the vision was to form a loop so people could walk between Erin and Hillsburgh and incorporate the Elora Cataract Trailway, like it’s perfect almost,” said economic development officer Robyn Mulder.
Kelly showed multiple images of trail types, such as paved, gravel, boardwalk, double lane, natural, urban and more.
Kelly also explained there are benefits and drawbacks to boardwalks that go over the water versus trails that go around the water’s shore.
There are no concrete plans for the trail yet, though many residents have their own ides of what the final trail could look like, explained Kelly.
“We saw many, many renditions of what it could be like… but at this point I’m a bit of an open sink right now, just fill it with information and what we’ll do is figure it out and we’ll get you something that probably works for you and hopefully it appeases the community and meets their expectations,” he said.
Mulder said it was very important to receive residents’ ideas.
“Without their input, we possibly won’t have what they’re looking for,” she said.
Kelly explained his firm is at phase one of a four-phase plan scheduled to be completed in June. He asked attendees to mark maps with “sacred spaces” stickers.
“I call it sacred places… those are places that are important to you, that you do not want to see go away in your community,” said Kelly.
Attendees also were asked to identify best routes and any real or perceived challenges.
One resident asked what the liability would be having a trail so close to water and/or crossing roadways.
“Most towns… they already have a liability or insurance package that covers all kinds of recreation facilities,” answered Kelly.
He went on to say comments received were generally positive and offered great insight to the benefits and challenges of the trail.
Kelly added Erin is underserved with trails comparatively to the other municipalities in Wellington County, which could open doors for funding.
