Overall, establishing a…

Overall, establishing a Province-wide Cycling Network and including Loyalist Township in its connections, is supported.

It is understood that the connecting cycling network is intended to identify secondary routes for background information purposes. The proposed Amherst Island secondary route is supported on a conceptual level. The Township also displays a conceptual trail route along Amherst Island in its Official Plan. However, there are portions of the route identified that are not suitable for cycling due to property ownership, environmental constraints, and road conditions. This secondary route would need to be reconfigured to accurately reflect a feasible route. It is unclear whether the Province is intending to keep the secondary routes at a conceptual level or whether they are intended to be verified for accuracy as is intended for the Province-wide network. In the situation that the secondary routes are intended to not be conceptual, Loyalist Township staff can provide additional information during the Ministry’s verification process to refine the route.

In addition, if the secondary routes are also intended to be upgraded to Provincial standards and contain associated cycling infrastructure, the Township would have concerns regarding financial implications and would request that Provincial funding be provided to assist with implementation.

[Original Comment ID: 209350]