Grant funding puts Steve Bauer Trail paving into gear

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2020

Pelham, ON –The Steve Bauer trail, between Line Avenue and Port Robinson Road, will be hard-surfaced by the end of this year, providing a more physically and geographically accessible trail system.

In 2017, as part of a Provincial incentive to improve cycling infrastructure, the Province of Ontario created the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) grant program to help fund capital works projects for municipalities to improve cycling in their community. 

Pelham’s grant includes just over $75,000; the municipality is responsible for covering the remaining funds. To qualify for the grant, the project must be completed by the end of 2020. 

Additionally, as part of the 2021 Canada Summer Games, Pelham received $21,250 toward the cost of a legacy project. These funds will be applied to paving the entire Steve Bauer Trail. Originally, the OMCC grant funding only covered enough to pave 800-1,000 metres. The paved trail will be two to three metres wide.

“Utilizing over $100,000 in grants for this project is a huge benefit for the community,” said Jason Marr, director of public works. “The ability to increase the usage of this trail will help many of its current users and many others who have been unable to use the trail because it wasn’t accessible to them.”

The project was originally included in the 2019 capital budget but was red-circled. With the grant funding, staff recommended delivering the project this year. Council approved the project on July 13, 2020.

Paving the Steve Bauer Trail is identified in the Active Transportation Master Plan as a priority to improve cycling and walking connections between the neighbouring municipalities of Welland and Thorold. The Pelham Active Transportation Committee is an advocate of the project and supports its completion.

This project is frequently requested by cyclists, pedestrians, seniors, and residents seeking an accessible trail in Pelham. The paved trail will provide links to the Meridian Community Centre, East Fonthill, Niagara College, and Welland’s paved trail system.

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For more information, please contact:

Marc MacDonald
Communications and Public Relations Specialist
905-892-2607 x309
mmacdonald@pelham.ca