Have a plan when exploring Whitchurch-Stouffville's trails

Whether it's a hike or a stroll with the dog, be prepared before you head out, writes Jim Thomas

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 26, 2021

Whitchurch-Stouffville’s trail system, established and maintained by Leisure and Community Services, has become one of the most used and appreciated outdoor inclusions in town.

The far-reaching expanse of this venture has been co-ordinated with similar developments across York region.

The composition, by no means new, has increased in popularity due to restrictions imposed by the province, thanks (but no thanks) to the current COVID-19 pandemic. The stay-at-home edict, continually commanded by Premier Doug Ford, has been eased somewhat due to permission for residents to enjoy the great outdoors.

And that’s what we’re doing, my wife and I, every afternoon, weather permitting. It’s enjoyable.

As said, our trail system was initiated several years ago, but by whom, no one seems sure. Regardless, we all owe a vote of thanks to a past council, with a progressive vision and a present department under exceptional management. We have what we need, particularly during these trying times.

Let’s face it, with all the restraints imposed by an overburdened government, we the people are bored out of our minds. An oft-repeated stay-at-home order can be continued just so long. We, at least me, are going wacky. Hence, a daily walk on one of our town trails is an obvious solution.

But a warning: Don’t embark on an unfamiliar route without a map. We did, and became so hopelessly lost, our sole compass was the sun. But the world rotates, and so, seemingly, does the sun. Finally, after two hours of tramping, wife Jean could go no further. So she sat down in a roadside snow bank while I set out in search of our car. I found it only a block away so all was well that ended well.

In an effort to avoid a similar boo-boo, I contacted Ashlea McConkey, an employee in Leisure Services, and requested assistance. She was extremely helpful, pointing to a key link on the computer that explained everything I needed to know. We’re now off to the races.

So far, and we still have several trails to go, our favourites extend north of Millard Street, at the flood control reservoir; south of Hoover Park Drive, adjacent to an impenetrable bush; the Lehman Pond and the Byer Pond sites, north and south of Main Street.

Except for a few icy spots, the routes provide solid footing, thanks to hundreds of previous walkers and dozens of dogs. The people we’ve met, while total strangers, have been exceptionally friendly, and accompanying canines have all been on leashes. Social distancing is practised and most wear masks.

Unfortunately, there’s been an absence of wildlife, although we did see a beaver chewing on a tree branch at Lehman’s Pond, and a coyote warning sign at the same location. But nothing more. Undoubtedly, such types of attractions are more abundant in the Vivian Forest region of rural Whitchurch. These routes are also on our walk-list.

But words of warning: Don’t wander too far from your trail start, and, if possible, return via the way you came. Should one’s energy level run low, the reversal will seem all uphill. Second, take along a bottle of water, but don’t discard the container. And third, if accompanied by a dog, include a plastic bag in your pocket or purse.

Happy trails.