Parks Canada, Rouge National…

Parks Canada, Rouge National Urban Park Field Unit, has reviewed the proposed routing for Ontario’s Cycling Network as it pertains to Rouge National Urban Park. In conjunction with park trails, the proposed Ontario network provides many opportunities for scenic routes through the park and its surrounding area. We see much potential in working with Ontario to capitalize on the synergies between the Ontario Cycling Network, the park, and its existing and planned trail network. Once all lands are transferred to Parks Canada, Rouge National Urban Park will extend from Rouge Beach to just south of Stouffville and into Uxbridge, providing the opportunity for a connected north-south, off-road and on-road trail network.

The proposed Ontario Cycling Network passes through the southern and northern sections of Rouge National Urban Park. In the south, the proposed Network follows the Waterfront Trail which crosses the southern tip of the park in the Rouge Beach/Marsh area. In the north, the route uses the existing Greenbelt Route along the Uxbridge-Pickering Townline to traverse the northeastern portion of the park in Durham Region. This portion of the route also traverses the hamlet of Altona which is located in the park, an area we view as having the potential to serve visitors. Here, the potential also exists to intersect with the park’s proposed north-south trail network which will also connect with extensive existing trail networks in the Oak Ridges Moraine north of the park. The proposed east-west connection in Stouffville, although situated just north of the park on Hoover Park Road, can easily connect to a planned Rouge National Urban Park “Northern Welcome Area.” This Welcome Area will provide access to what will eventually be a park-wide trail network extending to the south and northeast portions of the park.

We note the proposed network calls for an “on-road” connection along the Uxbridge-Pickering Townline as it crosses Rouge National Urban Park. We recommend consideration be given to an off-road route on this segment to encourage its use by families and others who are in the area for a more leisurely park visit. An off-road route may also provide more opportunity to combine provincial cycling and park trail objectives in a single facility. This approach is consistent with our input into the recent York Region Transportation Master Plan.

We look forward to working with Ontario as it plans the Ontario Cycling Network in and around Rouge National Urban Park. Coordinated planning will support the creation of effective connections between the Ontario Cycling Network and the park trail network, and will enhance the diversity of recreational and tourism opportunities available to visitors to the Greenbelt and to Rouge National Urban Park.

We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this exciting initiative. Please contact Richard Scott, Senior Planner, at richard.scott@pc.gc.ca; or Peter Feldmann, Project Manager, at peter.feldmann@canada.ca in future communications.

Sincerely,

Pamela L. Veinotte, Field Unit Superintendent, Rouge National Urban Park Parks Canada

[Original Comment ID: 209468]