Newmarket takes step back on proposed trail connection

YorkRegion.com
Dec. 17, 2015
Chris Simon

Newmarket is slowing the pace on a proposed trail connection between Rita’s Avenue and Yonge Street.

After a lengthy debate, council asked staff to come up with some cheaper solutions for the 200-metre link, which runs just south of the Newmarket courthouse, during a meeting Monday night.

Staff had asked council to include $630,000 in funding for the project in the draft 2016 capital budget. The project has been in the works for years, though neighbouring residents have expressed concerns over privacy, tree preservation and lighting along the link.

“This proposed trail would link the existing east-west trial system from Whipper Billy Watson Park on Bathurst Street through the road network and existing walkways between roads to Yonge Street,” development and infrastructure services commissioner Peter Noehammer said in a report to councillors.

“It is the last and crucial connection required to complete the west-to-east trail network indirectly from Bathurst to Yonge streets, which will promote more walking and biking to the proposed intensification area. This option also provides for a larger conveyance to the adjacent property owners, which will assist in mitigating privacy concerns along with the proposed fencing and landscaping.”

Council approved $310,000 in funding for the link in 2014.

However, others suggest the project is too costly.

“It seems to me that, in addition to a significant cost, there may be some ongoing costs with maintenance,” Councillor Christina Bisanz said. “The area we’re talking about is predominantly single-family homes. It doesn’t really seem to be a pathway that would encourage a lot of traffic.”

Regional Councillor John Taylor said trail connections are always worthwhile projects for the community.

“We’ve found a solution here that addresses some of the concerns of the residents in the area but allows for connectivity,” Regional Councillor John Taylor said. “Trail connections in this town are never a bad idea.”