It’s time to put your money where your shoes are.
The Upper Canada Heritage Trail committee is organizing a fun run and dog walking fundraiser to raise money for the ambitious project.
“It’s a 5k fun run for the runners and it’s a 2k dog walk,” said chair Rick Meloen.
“We’re hoping to try and raise some money for the next section of the trail.”
The run will take place on Sept. 24 along the heritage trail, starting at 7 a.m. Runners will start first, with dog walkers beginning an hour later to ensure some distance between the groups.
Check-in for the event will be at Veterans Memorial Park on King Street.
The cost to participate in the event is $45 up until Sept. 21. Afterward, individuals can sign up on the day of the event in-person for $60.
The event is limited to 150 runners and 50 dog walkers with two dogs allowed per person. So, be sure to sign up while you can.
There is also a new plaque standing in front of the Charlotte Street entrance to the trail, dedicated to corporate sponsor Canopy Growth Corp., which donated $40,000 to the project.
“Without the significant contribution from Canopy Growth we would have never been able to finish this section of the trail,” Meloen told Sean Webster, Canopy’s head of government and stakeholder relations.
“We are so thankful for your interest in this.”
Meloen also highlighted Canopy’s contributions to planting done along the trail last year, providing more than 50 trees for the planting as well as volunteer labour.
“You’re a great guy,” Meloen said to Webster.
“If I didn’t know any better I would think you were running for mayor or something,” he said to laughs from the small assembly, including Lord Mayor Betty Disero and regional Coun. Gary Zalepa, who is running against Disero for mayor.
“We’re so pleased that this leaves a long legacy here in the town for visitors to enjoy, residents to enjoy, for families to enjoy.”
“Get out, get some fresh air and enjoy the canopy.”
The company recently closed its multi-million dollar facility in NOTL.
Canopy “has been a good corporate citizen for the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake,” Disero said.
“We’ll miss you,” she said, while noting there had been disputes about the odour arising from the cannabis facility in town.
