Public consultation open for new 200-acre North of the Nith trail project

By Casandra Turnbull

The County of Brant is gearing up for a Master Plan study that will see significant portion of county owned land transform into a series of walking trails and singletrack trails for non-motorized use The beautiful peninsula is located mostly north of the Nith River, adjacent to the very popular Barker’s Bush area but the sprawling land spans 200 acres from Misener Road West in the southwestern part of town to Railway Street in the northern end of town. Over the years it has housed many active gravel pits Councillor Steve Howes shared some history of this land this past week, recalling it was once called the ‘West Pit’just past ‘the Dump’ which of course is the Paris Transfer Station today The ‘West Pit’ was active until the 70s and laid dormant for decades and the area adjacent to it has been used (unauthorized) by dirt bike enthusiasts.

The location of the land, just north of the Nith River, has led to its unofficial name of North of the Nith (and for the purpose of this article we will refer to it as such!) Councillors received a memo from County staff this past week providing an update on the North of the Nith Trails and Open Spaces Master Plan engagement strategies. The area is largest forested with diverse nature features. The purpose of the master plan is to create a balanced vision for future use that respects the natural environment and provides opportunities for education, enhances recreational opportunities and celebrates the history of the Nith River, according to the memo.

““Our community is fortunate to have such a beautiful natural area right in our backyard,” said County of Brant Mayor David Bailey “The Trails and Open Space Master Plan for the North of the Nith will ensure that we protect this space while also making it accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”

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This map shows the boundary areas of the North of the Nith land, and the scope of the proposed project. You can have your say to help shape the future recreational use of this land

The finalized plan will unveil the concept and its phased implementation strategy.

This past January a grass-roots community initiative, led by the Brant Cycling Club, was before councillors to present their planned use of the land: a single-track network project with narrow trails about the width of a bike that are specifically designed and constructed to be enjoyed on mountain bikes. Single track trails include features such as roots, rocks, berms and other characteristics that create a unique outdoor experience Their initiative is supported by several community groups and organizations that form the Brant Waterways Regional Trails Council, showing the potential diverse use of this land for many outdoorsy individuals The group did not ask for money, just support in bringing the initiative to fruition and it appears that support is coming down the pipes through this Master Plan Study.

“This Master Plan is an important step in creating a connected and sustainable trail network in the County of Brant,” said County of Brant Director of Parks and Recreation, Stacey Ellins. “We are committed to working with the public and our community partners to develop a plan that balances recreation with environmental stewardship. Their input will be crucial in shaping the future of this space ”

‘Feedback for this study kicked off this past Wednesday, September 4th when the EngageBrant online survey opened. You can participate in the survey here. The survey closes on October 11th . On Saturday, September 14th from 10 am to 1 pm at Lions Park Paris, you can pop by to learn more about the project and share your ideas or concerns.

It's anticipated that by the end of this early and into early 2025, the preliminary mapping and field studies will be completed In a social media post this week, Councillor Howes couldn’t contain his excitement as this project inches closer to reality, calling it a

Wonderful Addition To Our Community

“Most of this land is now owned by the County of Brant and while significantly increased liability issues prevent this from being turned into a modern-day dirt bike haven, this land DOES have tremendous potential for being transformed into an outdoor (non-motorized) activity paradise. Spread over a couple hundred acres, there are many decades-old trails, that are perfect for hikers, dog walkers, cross country skiers and mountain bike enthusiasts,” said Howes. “Picture Barkers Bush, with a bit less trees, but bigger, with more trails and no houses being built next door.” He even shared his vision for the future, beyond the scope of this Mater Plan. “Perhaps someday there could even be a foot bridge to connect the two wonderful areas together.”

Like Howes, be sure to share your thoughts during the Engage Brant public consultation period. Now is the time to help shape this community project.