1.7 C
Niagara Falls
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Letter: We’re quite happy with changes made to the heritage trail

Dear editor:

We read this week’s issue The Lake Report (and other publications) articles and letters concerning the preparations for the Charlotte to East and West Line section of the Upper Canada Heritage Trail.

We have not walked on that section of the trail for a few weeks, but the last time we did so, it was badly rutted, with puddles and uneven terrain. There were many sick-looking trees adjacent to the trail and almost all needed pruning.

Our home backs on to the John to Charlotte street section of the trail, which of course was renovated by the town several weeks ago. Previously, the trail was quite rutted, with uneven ground and puddles and mud after rainfall.

Bordering the trail were tangles of wild raspberry and grapevine, dead shrubs, dead and dying trees. The trail was used by some, but the change since its renovation is amazing! It is now a pleasant, flat walking surface (no ruts or puddles) that is being used by many, many more residents and visitors.

Pedestrian traffic has significantly increased, lots of cyclists are now using the trail, presumably all the way to East and West Line. We have people using walkers and wheelchairs enjoying the trail, which would have been impossible previously.

We see the usual wildlife – racoons, opossums, skunks and even some deer. Occasionally we see riders on horseback.

We have had no issues relating to privacy and have had no concerns that the increased use of the trail has been in any way intrusive or negative. Quite recently we learned the town will be planting new trees, shrubs and evergreens along the John-Charlotte section. It is likely that they will do similar planting and enhancements to the Charlotte-East and West section once renovation is near completion.

Extending the trail in a similar manner from Charlotte to East and West Line will be a very positive development for this community. 

We have read the letters raging against the removal of healthy trees in an effort to get at a dead tree that poses a danger of falling on a private home bordering the trail. I am sure the homeowner will be quite happy to see the threatening tree removed. It is unfortunate that otherwise healthy trees must be sacrificed in the process, but it must be done.

In order to renovate this section of the trail and make it as Inviting and inclusive as the John-Charlotte section, it will be necessary to sacrifice some trees, scrub and bushes in order to widen the trail surface.

Undoubtedly this section of the trail will be less wide than the John-Charlotte section as the right-of-way appears to be less wide.

Nonetheless, the changes, if similar to those already done on the other section, will be very positive.

It will mean increased traffic, which may not be desired by homeowners bordering the trail, but it will provide a very nice attraction for all town residents and visitors who might find there way there.

Ron and Jan Ashenhurst
NOTL

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