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Potential Powassan multi-purpose trail dependent on partnerships

Powassan will examine the development of a multi-use trail that could be used by hikers, people on horseback, ATV and snowmobile riders
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POWASSAN, Ont. — The Municipality of Powassan’s recreation committee will examine the development of a multi-use trail that could be used by hikers, people on horseback, ATV and snowmobile riders in the community.

Deputy Mayor Randy Hall suggested the project, which would see a trail developed on a strip of land between Main Street and Highway 11. The trail would cover about 4.3 kilometres, beginning at the town’s south end by the Wagon Wheel restaurant and would wind its way north to McCharles Line.

Hall says the land the trail would follow is owned by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and he acknowledges a lot of pieces have to fall in place — including permission to use the land — but Hall says when he first brought the matter up about 18 months ago with MTO officials “they were receptive about it.”

Hall adds, “We didn’t get 100 per cent approval, but they didn’t say no, but they also haven’t said yes.” 

One of the hurdles the project has to overcome is getting over Genesee Creek which is a wetlands area adjacent to the fire department and the 250 Clark municipal building.

However, Hall says a Bailey Bridge would solve that issue because it would span the 25 to 30 feet necessary to get over the creek.

Hall says he’s put feelers out to see if anyone can help with the bridge portion of the project.

The Deputy Mayor says the multi-purpose trail is a project that will require several partners including those that can help develop the trail.

This is a municipal election year and Hall hasn’t decided yet if he’ll seek another term on council but if he doesn’t seek re-election, Hall intends to be part of the recreation committee to help it pursue the multi-purpose trail project.

“If we could do this, it would be awesome,” says Hall.

Rocco Frangione is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the North Bay Nugget. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.