Accessible trail improvements on a path to approval despite neighbourhood resistance
Longstanding opposition to improving a trail that enters an expensive neighbourhood in northwest London, Ont. may have met its match— provincial accessibility laws.
On Wednesday, the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) discussed a staff report that recommends the pathway from Gloucester Road into the Medway Valley Heritage Environmentally Significant Area be upgraded from a Level 1 Trail to a Level 2 Trail.
Redevelopment of the steep, narrow, and uneven pathway would require a firm gravel surface up to two metres wide.
“It means better walking for everybody who accesses the trail, not just people with disabilities,” explained accessibility advocate Jacqueline Madden, who first became involved in the project in 2012. “It still may not be suitable for someone with a wheelchair, it’s a pretty steep grade, but certainly more people would be able to use it if it’s a Level 2 [trail].”
In 2021, a more accessible trail was put on hold when council approved the Medway Valley’s Conservation Master Plan.
Subsequent environmental studies recommend installing a 250-metre gravel pathway to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
A map showing the location of the proposed trail enhancement. (Source: City of London)
The upgrades could cost between $50,000 and 75,000.
“It got stalled because there was a lot of backlash from the neighbourhood at the time,” explained Madden. “So they’ve gone back and done all the ecological studies.”
However, neighbours told the PEC meeting that upgrading the difficult-to-find trail might lead to more traffic on their isolated street of executive-style homes.
Others suggested the future of an unopened road allowance on nearby Green Acres Drive should be determined before a decision is made to upgrade the trail.
“I can support the Level 2 Trail piece, it is the connection through that is a concern to me and where it is disrupting long-time residents,” said Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis.
The planning committee unanimously (4-0) recommended the trail upgrade.
Council will make a final decision on March 5.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6977430.1721929538!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
'There's mom and dad's house': New video appears to show destruction of Jasper neighbourhood
Video posted to social media on Thursday morning appears to show the charred remains of a Jasper, Alta., neighbourhood.
LIVE UPDATES Multiple homes, businesses 'lost' to wildfire in Jasper National Park: Parks Canada
Officials from Parks Canada and Jasper say "multiple structures, including a number of businesses and homes, in and around the town of Jasper, have been lost" to wildfire in Jasper National Park.
Alberta premier says a third, perhaps half, of all Jasper buildings destroyed by fire
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says early reports indicate a third and perhaps up to half of all buildings in the historic Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper have been destroyed in a wildfire.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
Canada to bring home fewest Olympic medals since 2012, according to forecaster
Fewer Canadians are expected to reach the Paris podium than in the previous two Olympic Summer Games, a global data analytics company predicts.
Jennifer Aniston criticizes JD Vance for 'childless cat ladies' remarks: 'I pray that your daughter is fortunate enough to bear children'
Jennifer Aniston is criticizing JD Vance for comments he made in his past about women without children.
'Skibidi Toilet:' If you don't know what it is, you will
'Skibidi Toilet' is already an internet sensation and now its about to get even more exposure after the YouTube series is being developed for TV and film, according to a report by Variety.
NASA says no return date yet for astronauts and Boeing capsule at space station
Already more than a month late getting back, two NASA astronauts will remain at the International Space Station until engineers finish working on problems plaguing their Boeing capsule, officials said Thursday.
French sprinter will wear a cap during Olympic opening ceremony after hijab dispute is resolved
French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla will be allowed to participate in the opening ceremony at the Paris Olympics wearing a cap to cover her hair, an agreement reached with the French Olympic Committee after Sylla said she was barred because of her hijab.