Feature Article January 22, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeK&P Trail clears one hurdle in South Frontenacby Jeff Green A recent communication from the provincial government has buoyed the hopes of trail proponents in South Frontenac. A policy that has been active since 1995 allows for transfers of land earmarked for use as public trails without the usual survey requirements.
Bell Canada, who owns the land, has communicated a willingness to sell at a nominal fee, but the question of who pays for surveys, which even trail proponents concede will cost around $100,000, has been a sticking point in preliminary negotiations between the township and Bell.
Councillor David Hahn, who chairs a committee looking into the trail, said, we have found out that it is possible, under some conditions, to do a transfer without a survey. This, in itself, is good news, but there are other problems to overcome before a public trail can be established.
Other issues that will be faced by the so-called K&P Committee are fencing requirements, and the crucial impact of insurance costs, which is a major problem for the existing network of trails in Ontario.
On the issue of insurance, David Hahn said that the insurer for the Municipality told him the existing policy would cover the non-motorized use of trails, but any use of a trail by snowmobiles or ATVs would require both fencing and insurance.
An Open House is set for Monday, January 27 at the Township Hall in Sydenham from 7-9 p.m. Committee members will be in attendance and the public is invited to come and express their views. Those with land that would be directly affected by the establishment of a trail are especially invited to the meeting.
While there is a long way to go, David Hahn now says he is mildly hopeful that a trail can be established in South Frontenac.
