City of Kitchener seeks public input into development of community trails master plan
KITCHENER – The City of Kitchener is looking for public input into the development of a community trails master plan, which will literally map out future local trail systems and provide a renewed vision for linked open spaces across the city.
A public survey has been launched on the city’s website – www.kitchener.ca – asking residents to share their experiences in using the current local trail system, as well as what improvements they would like to see.
There are approximately 125 kilometres of community trail throughout Kitchener. This includes the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, the Iron Horse Trail, the Trans Canada Trail and numerous trails along hydro corridors, along greenways and watercourses and through parks and natural areas.
The master plan will examine the current requirements for pedestrian and cycling routes and facilities outside of road rights-of-way. The plan will also include:
- A detailed inventory and mapping of the existing community trail system.
- Recommended locations for new trails that form the “missing links” in an overall connected network.
- Design guidelines and standard construction details for different types of trails in different types of locations throughout the city.
- Strategies and policies to ensure that trails are implemented when new neighbourhoods are being developed, and when existing sites are being redeveloped.
- Suggested scheduling for the implementation for all recommendations.
“Trails provide tremendous benefits to a community, not the least of which is the opportunity to pursue physical activity and healthy, active living, while helping to preserve and protect the environment,” said William Sleeth, a landscape architect with the city. “As our city continues to grow, the public demand for a high quality, connected trail network continues to increase as well. We want residents to envision what that system should look like – and then share that vision with us.”