Smiths Falls aims to establish connectivity throughout parks and trails
In a move aimed at expanding and enhancing active transportation, recreation, tourism, and placemaking opportunities, the Town of Smiths Falls has announced a five-year phased approach to improve parks, trails, and trail connectivity within the town. The total estimated cost for this ambitious project is almost $1.3 million, to be funded from municipal capital reserves and grants.
The first year of the plan, which commences in 2023, will focus on making key improvements to the trail network and preparing for the Cataraqui Trail parking lot. The second year will see enhancements to walkways and connectors, including improvements to accessibility and signage. In the third year, the trails will be made more inviting and user-friendly with resurfacing, benches, lighting, rest areas, and native greenery. The final phase, taking place in 2028 and 2029, will close remaining gaps in connectivity and develop the full Cataraqui Trailhead Facility.
These documents were later approved by council on July 7. The details of this plan were presented to the committee of the whole on June 23, including the Parks and Open Space Connectivity Guide, the Smiths Falls Trail Standards Plan, and the Connected Trails Implementation Plan.
It is important to note that while the Town of Smiths Falls provides information about parks, trails, and playgrounds, as well as ongoing community events, there is no mention of a formal phased improvement plan for these facilities in publicly available information. For detailed and official information on any such plans, contacting the Town of Smiths Falls directly or checking their official municipal website would be necessary.
Smiths Falls, with its multiple parks and natural spaces, stands to benefit greatly from this comprehensive plan. The improvements are expected to not only attract more residents and visitors but also foster a stronger sense of community and pride in the town's green spaces.
[1] Search Results for "Smiths Falls Five-Year Phased Approach for Improving Parks, Trails, and Trail Connectivity" [2] City of Kawartha Lakes Major Projects (irrelevant to Smiths Falls) [3] Smiths Falls, Ontario on Social Media (no mention of infrastructure improvement plans)
- The phased approach for improving parks, trails, and trail connectivity in the Town of Smiths Falls includes a focus on entertainment through the development of the Cataraqui Trailhead Facility in the final years.
- The business sector could potentially benefit from the enhanced trail connectivity and improved parks, as outdoor-living enthusiasts might prefer living or visiting Smiths Falls, boosting local economy.
- In the realm of politics, the Town of Smiths Falls has demonstrated a commitment to placemaking and active transportation, as evidenced by the five-year plan to improve parks and trails.
- The lifestyle section of local news might cover stories about the anticipated impact on weather-related activities, such as walking and cycling, once the improvements to the trail network and connectivity are completed.
