Greetings…

Greetings

My wife and I recently moved to Almonte, a growing community with a solid historical base. Historical in infrastructure. Almonte still maintains its many heritage buildings which have been renovated, bought or rented by young entrepreneurs that sell unique articles, many of which are designed and made by local artisans and artists. Almonte draws many visitors to its markets, fairs and events.

Historic in that the remains of several mills have been preserved and the waters of the Mississippi River still course through their foundations or those of two operational power dams within the town. Almonte is a very picturesque town.

The railway line from Ottawa to Almonte has since been abandoned but the roadbed still remains. In its rough and mostly unkept form it is used by all kinds of sports enthusiasts. This line connects Ottawa through Carleton Place on the Trans Canada Trail, unique in its travel through other historic villages and into the very heart of Capital Hill, the Outaouais and indeed into Gatineau Park.

With the solid roadbed intact, and upgraded under the provincial plan, its link as indicated above would make it a provincial jewel as a walking, skiing and biking trail; an all-season link along a path that has unique destinations in close proximity to each other. Almonte to Carleton Place and back is certainly within anyone's capability. Almonte to Kanata, Bells Corner and into Ottawa; very doable for the experienced biker. And what a terrific run for rallys and marathons from Almonte to the Gatineau's! (and back??)

In trying to be brief, I may have overlooked information that you may be searching for. Please don't hesitate to contact me for further discussion.

Regards........

Bill

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