Multi-Use Trail Proposal for Centennial Park · Web view9.2 Rotary Club The Rotary Club is an organization comprised of business and professional leaders that aim to provide humanitarian

2014

Submitted By Grimsby Active Transportation & Its Representatives

Prepared By Amanda Polewski, Danielle Vella & Kate Stasiak

Multi-Use Trail Proposal for Centennial Park

MULTI-USE TRAIL PROPOSAL FOR CENTENNIAL PARK 2

1. Executive Summary

On behalf of Grimsby Active Transportation, we are proposing the installation of a multi-use trail within Grimsby’s own Centennial Park. We are presenting this trail with three phases that are mutually exclusive and independent, yet complimentary to one another. The rationale behind the proposed ‘Centennial Trail’ is to provide the Grimsby community with a safe and accessible trail within Centennial Park.

Rationale

This initiative will encourage healthy lifestyles for everyone, regardless of age, gender and ability. There are five important opportunities a multi-use trail within Centennial Park will offer:

i. Health and Fitness : The project will provide a safe space that promotes physical activity for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or running.

ii. 8-80 Cities Initiative : 8-80 Cities are communities built for all people within the community, reflecting social equality in the public realm

iii. Accessibility : The trail will be fully wheelchair accessible, which will be a mandatory requirement under Ontario Regulation 191/11 as of 2016.

iv. Linking Communities : The trail will aid in strengthening the existing community within Grimsby, providing a place for people to gather, socialize and engage in community events such as soccer or baseball games within Centennial Park. The trail may also facilitate a future link from Ridge Road to the Bruce Trail, to Centennial Park to downtown Grimsby.

v. Exposure to the Escarpment : This is important for everyone within the community, as it is the only park within Grimsby that provides access to the base of the escarpment, and an access point to the Bruce Trail. Residents will be able to enjoy the natural landscape, experience solitude, and experience a unique place within their community.


Phases

The project consists of 3 Phases:

Phase 1 : This is the first section of the trail, originating at the parking lot at the South end of Centennial Park, accessed from Main Street. Phase 1 extends along the perimeter of Centennial Park, approximately 0.60 kilometers.

Phase 2 : This is an extension of Phase 1 and circumnavigates the sports park area South of Nelles Public School, approximately 0.85 kilometers. Phase 2 will


extend North, along the East side of the sports park to complete the ‘loop’ with Phase 1 via the trail extending through the soccer field.

Phase 3 : This Phase includes the installation of a bridge that will connect the naturalized areas of Phases 1 and 2.

An optional extension of Centennial Trail that would connect to the Bruce Trail via a switchback through the Niagara Escarpment, or a staircase that extends directly from Centennial Trail to the Bruce Trail. In addition, this Phase could connect the Bruce Trail to Ridge Road, giving residents the opportunity to access Centennial Park directly from Ridge Road through this connecting point.

Expenses

Based on research conducted regarding appropriate trail materials, the ideal material to use for Centennial Trail is asphalt. Centennial Trail (i.e. Phases 1 and 2) is approximately 1.45 kilometers (1,450 meters) in length and based on quotes obtained for asphalt, the total cost for Phases 1 and 2 is roughly $81,000. Phase 3 requires the installation of a bridge and the estimated cost is roughly $20,000.


Table of Contents1. Executive Summary.....................................................................................................2

2. Introduction to the Issue.............................................................................................7

3. Summary of the Proposed Undertaking...................................................................83.1 Phase 1.................................................................................................................................93.2 Phase 2.................................................................................................................................93.3 Phase 3.................................................................................................................................93.4 Additional Project Extensions..........................................................................................9

4. Importance of the Trail..............................................................................................114.1 Problems Associated with Existing Pathway...............................................................11

5. Benefits of Proposed Undertaking..........................................................................135.1 Health and Fitness...........................................................................................................135.2 8-80 Cities Initiative.........................................................................................................135.3 Accessibility......................................................................................................................145.4 Linking Communities.......................................................................................................145.5 Exposure to the Escarpment...........................................................................................145.6 Additional Benefits...........................................................................................................15

5.6.1 Walk-Friendly Ontario........................................................................................................155.6.2 Historic Preservation and Community Identity...............................................................155.6.3 Economic Development....................................................................................................16

6. Material Justification..................................................................................................176.2 Maintenance.......................................................................................................................186.3 Environment......................................................................................................................186.4 Social..................................................................................................................................18

7. Acknowledgments....................................................................................................19

8. Other Sources of Information................................................................................208.1 Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative..............................................................208.2 Healthy Living Niagara...................................................................................................20

9. Sources of Funding..................................................................................................219.1 TD Canada Trust Environmental Fund.......................................................................21


9.2 Rotary Club.......................................................................................................................219.3 Lyons Club........................................................................................................................219.5 ParticipACTION................................................................................................................229.6 The Ontario Trillium Foundation..................................................................................229.7 Community Support.........................................................................................................23

10. Final Comments......................................................................................................24

11. About the Authors..................................................................................................25

12. References.................................................................................................................26

Appendix A........................................................................................................................29

Appendix B.........................................................................................................................30Grimsby and District Chamber of Commerce........................................................................30Niagara West Tourism Association.........................................................................................31The Merchants of Downtown Grimsby....................................................................................32

Appendix C.........................................................................................................................33

Appendix D.........................................................................................................................34


2. Introduction to the Issue

The Town of Grimsby is a growing community that encompasses a diverse group of residents. The challenge with a diverse and growing community is facilitating community engagement that involves residents of varying ages and abilities. By investing in Grimsby’s green spaces, community members will have an outlet in which to improve their physical and psychological health, to strengthen community relationships, and to protect the environment in which they live. Although there are many parks, sports fields, and open spaces within the Town of Grimsby, one space stands out for its potential to promote community engagement suitable for residents of all ages and skill levels.

Centennial Park is located within the heart of Grimsby; however, the full potential of the Park is yet to be uncovered. The park currently lacks an embedded path for community members to access, and thus, the green space may be subject to environmental degradation from foot traffic through the park over time. A prime strategy for maintaining the integrity and enhancing the usability of this underutilized space is to incorporate a multi-use trail that is safe, accessible, and appropriate for users of all abilities and ages.

On behalf of Grimsby Active Transportation, a multi-use trail is being proposed for Centennial Park. The proposed Centennial trail will circumnavigate Centennial Park and is comprised of various phases, each mutually exclusive and independent, yet complimentary to one another. Over time the proposed Centennial Trail may be extended to connect to the Bruce Trail, and eventually to Ridge Road. This will facilitate a linkage between residents that occupy the upper portion of the escarpment, to the rest of the community at the base of the escarpment.

The Town of Grimsby has made a commitment to parks within the community to date, and this project would be a complementary addition to Grimsby’s priorities. The project is consistent with Grimsby’s philosophy towards parks and linking the community. It is also evident that the Town of Grimsby values the promotion of health and active living, with the Grimsby Active Transportation Committee playing a key role in healthy living advocacy. By implementing a multi-use trail within Centennial Park, residents will have the opportunity to actively participate in a safe, user-friendly space within their community.


3. Summary of the Proposed Undertaking

Grimsby Active Transportation is proposing a multi-use trail to circumnavigate Centennial Park that will be referred to as Centennial Trail. The proposed path is approximately 1.47 kilometers in length with three distinct phases that may be implemented over time. By outlining mutually exclusive phases, the Town of Grimsby may enact each phase when suitable.

Centennial Park may be viewed as having two distinct halves, separated by a strip of vegetation in the centre. The first half of the park comprises the Phase One of the project, which begins at the Centennial Park parking lot and extends for about 0.60 kilometers along the perimeter of the first half of the park.

Phase two begins at the second half of the park (the sports park located south of Nelles Public School) and continues around the perimeter of the school field for approximately 0.39 kilometers. The end of phase two will connect back to phase one in order to ‘close the loop’. A second connection point for phase one and two will be through the centre of the vegetation strip in the centre by a bridge. This bridge will be termed phase three.

An overview of phases one through three are pictured below:


3.1 Phase 1

Phase 1 of Centennial Trail is perhaps the most important and essential step of the project, as it begins at the entrance of Centennial Park. Users of the park will most likely access the park via the existing Centennial Park parking lot. From the parking lot, the trail is to extend along the perimeter of the first half of Centennial Park.

The Phase 1 component of the park is gently sloped from the parking lot access point and plateaus to a relatively flat surface throughout the rest of the park. Although this area is relatively flat, there are areas with poor drainage due to runoff from the Niagara Escarpment. These areas of poor drainage lead to boggy conditions through the park and consequently an elevated trail bed is recommended to prevent the trail from succumbing to these waterlogged conditions.

3.2 Phase 2

The second phase of this project is an extension of Phase 1. Phase 2 connects with Phase 1 and follows the perimeter of the sports park, south of Nelles Public School. From the east side of the sports park, the trail moves west between the soccer and


football field to close the loop. There is the option to extend the east side of the trail towards Centennial Baptist Church’s parking lot (dotted red line).

3.3 Phase 3

The third phase of this project involves installing a bridge that connects Phase 1 and Phase 2 together through a strip of vegetation that lies in the centre. The bridge would provide a simple connection to either side of the park.

It is evident that park users currently access the second half of the park via this vegetation strip, and therefore installing a bridge would aid in preservation of this naturalized area. The pathway through the vegetation is close to the Niagara Escarpment and is essentially a straight path through the vegetation, crossing a small drainage creek. In this area, an 8-foot bridge would be appropriate to install in order provide a gentle sloping arc to extend across the creek while maintaining accessibility for all users.

3.4 Additional Project Extensions

There are optional extensions to the aforementioned Phases that would provide further linkage throughout the Grimsby community. An extension of the Centennial Trail could be developed that would connect to the Bruce Trail via a switchback through the Niagara Escarpment, or via a staircase that extends directly from Centennial Trail to the Bruce Trail. For example, Kinsmen Community Park in Beamsville has utilized a metal staircase that allows cyclists to walk their bikes safely up the steep slope of the Niagara Escarpment (Appendix C). This could be an option to facilitate a linkage between Centennial Trail and the Bruce Trail.

An addition to the Centennial/Bruce Trail connection would be to connect the Bruce Trail to Ridge Road that lies at the top of the Escarpment. This will give residents the opportunity to access Centennial Park directly from Ridge Road through this connecting point, and vice versa. By creating various linkages throughout these three elevations, the visual appeal and sense of community within Centennial Park will be enhanced.

Additionally, the Nelles Road allowance extends to Ridge Road and may also provide a link from the Bruce Trail to Ridge Road.

Other trail projects, for example the Burlington/Hamilton’s Waterfront Trail, have a designated bike lane painted on the trail to accommodate and separate pedestrians from faster moving cyclists. If issues were to arise between pedestrians and cyclists, a bike stripe lane could easily be added to the trail.


Ideally, the trail will compliment a future Regional network of on-road bike lanes, facilitating further access to and from Centennial Trail. Developing a successful bikeway network involves two major components: planning and design. Planning should consider such things as the various types, ages, skill level and trip purposes of cyclists; and design should be in conjunction with designing a bikeway network for the aforementioned users, along with the physical elements of design, including type and size, pavement markings, width and depth, intersection crossings and sight distance (Niagara Region, 2003).

4. Importance of the Trail

The Town of Grimsby is dedicated to investing in existing and potential green spaces within the community. Since Centennial Park rests in the heart of Grimsby, implementing a multi-use trail will enhance the ‘Friendly by Nature’ image Grimsby seeks to uphold. Trails provide an avenue for people to walk, cycle or jog as well as push wheelchairs or strollers, creating a sense of community engagement.

The establishment of Centennial Trail also aligns with three of the Smart Growth Principles established by Smarter Niagara (2014), which includes:

Producing walkable neighbourhoods and communities: gets people out of cars and reduces gridlock;

Foster attractive communities and a sense of place: each community has unique features worth preserving; and

Provide a variety of transportation choices: people need another way to get where they’re going.


These principles are important since they emphasize establishing walkable neighbourhoods and promoting active transportation. Growing families within the community may use the trail to get to Nelles Public School, or to Centennial Baptist Church without having to walk along main roads within Grimsby. Encouraging kids to walk to school is important for promoting healthy lifestyles from a young age.

4.1 Problems Associated with Existing Pathway

It is evident that residents within the community currently use the proposed pathway within Centennial Park, which further supports the need to implement Centennial Trail. The park currently lacks an embedded path for community members to access, and thus, the green space may be subject to environmental degradation from foot traffic through the park over time.

Soils and vegetation are subjected to stress and disturbance under human foot traffic. Foot traffic may cause compaction of the soil, which increases root exposure and soil erosion and consequently decreases the infiltration rate, root penetration, growth, soil moisture content, thickness of surface horizons, and vegetative cover (Settergen and Cole, 1970; Dunn et al., 1980). Dale and Weaver (1974) and Dawson et al. (1974) reported that studies on trails indicated compaction was prevalent through the trail treads. The soil compaction impacts decline with increasing distance from the trail centre (Ward and Berg, 1973; Dawson et al., 1974).

Since Centennial Park borders the Niagara Escarpment, which is part of the world biosphere reserve, it is of utmost importance to preserve the natural integrity of the park. By implementing a multi-use trail within the park, users will have the opportunity to remain on the boundaries of the trail, thus reducing the environmental impact of creating their own pathways.


5. Benefits of Proposed Undertaking

This initiative will encourage healthy lifestyles for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability. There are countless benefits to implementing the Centennial Trail within the existing Centennial Park, although five main benefits will be examined to emphasize the necessity of the trail.

5.1 Health and Fitness

Given the current Provincial direction and encouragement of active transportation, not only from a roadway capacity perspective, there are major pushes from both Provincial and Regional levels of government to increase physical activity, especially among the populations youth. There has been a disturbing trend in obesity as a result of declining activity levels and unhealthy food choices; however, addressing weight issues involves a behavioural shift, the achievement of which requires a coordinated, long-term planning process among individuals, families, communities, and regional authorities. This plan ultimately targets changing the environment in which we live to provide greater access to active modes of travel, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist facilities and improved safety and health (Hemingway, 2011). The proposed multi-use trail system


within a key park within the Town would encourage increased physical activity by all users.

Centennial Trail will provide a safe space that promotes physical activity for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or running as part of their daily routine, thus improving physical and psychological health. Regular physical activity increases overall health and reduces a wide range of diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, and also assists in the reduction of some psychological ailments including depression and anxiety (Citizing, 2010).

Being able to utilize this outdoor space in the community is a cost-effective way for residents to exercise, and benefits the community through the potential for reduced healthcare costs. The trail will also promote active transportation to and from the trail, thereby reducing air pollution through decreased vehicle use.

5.2 8-80 Cities Initiative

8-80 Cities are communities built for all people within the community, reflecting social equality in the public realm and promoting sustainable happiness, which can be described as happiness that does not exploit other people, the environment, or future generations (O’Brien, 2005). The mission behind this initiative is to contribute to the creation of vibrant cities and healthy communities, where residents are able to live happier and enjoy public spaces. The initiative encourages healthy physical activity, and contributes to more sustainable and people-friendly communities. The Centennial Trail will aid in facilitating the 8-80 Cities initiative because it represents precisely what the initiative aims to deliver.

5.3 Accessibility

The specific technical provisions regarding surfacing, slope and width of Centennial Trail will be designed with accessibility in mind and will adhere to the requirements set out in Ontario Regulation 413/12. Additionally, according to Ontario Regulation 191/11, accessible trails will be a mandatory part of legislation by 2016, and as a result, developing a trail that is wheelchair accessible not only meets legislation, but also ensures that all groups within the community are accommodated during the installation stages of the proposed trail. By implementing a trail that is accessible for all users, persons with disabilities will have an equal opportunity to use the trail.

Additionally in terms of accessibility, since Centennial Trail lies within the heart of Grimsby, there are multiple access points to and from the trail. Centennial Park is approximately a 5 to 10 minute walk from downtown Grimsby. Residents may also access Centennial Park from Dorchester Road, leading to the south end of the sports park; the Centennial Park parking lot is accessible from Sunrise Court; and lastly, Kennedy Road provides an access point to the Centennial Baptist parking lot where residents would be able to access the trail. Other rights-of-way include Nelles Road,


Russ Road, and Robinson Road. These optional access points provide a safe way to get to and from the trail without having to use Main Street.

5.4 Linking Communities

The trail will aid in strengthening the existing community within Grimsby, providing a place for people to gather, socialize and engage in community events such as soccer or baseball games within Centennial Park. Community events could be organized, such as Get Fit Days, cross-country events, along with endless other possibilities. Ultimately the trail will be valuable to fulfill larger community objectives, such as youth development, social and cultural exchange, and community building.

With potential access to and from Ridge Road and the Bruce Trail, the Centennial Trail will link different parts of the community together. With the potential linkage to Ridge Road, users may access other parts of the community, including the proposed Mud Street Park. The trail may become a community focal point, acting as a symbol of Grimsby’s vitality and “friendly-by-nature” character.

5.5 Exposure to the Escarpment

Exposure to the escarpment is important for everyone within the community, as it is the only park within Grimsby that provides access to the base of the escarpment, and an access point to the Bruce Trail. Residents will be able to enjoy the natural landscape, experience solitude, and experience a unique place within their community.

One of the most important benefits of parks and trail systems is that they provide a place to preserve natural and unique ecosystems. The Niagara Escarpment is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a protected area under Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act (1973). By creating a trail system within Centennial Park that borders the Niagara Escarpment, people of all ages can experience the intriguing natural world in which they are an integral part.

5.6 Additional Benefits

5.6.1 Walk-Friendly Ontario

Walk-Friendly Ontario (WFO) is a project of Canada Walks, which is a department of Green Communities Canada. The program that recognizes and encourages municipalities to create and improve spaces especially places to walk. Municipalities are awarded bronze, silver, gold or platinum designations, depending on the walkability of the city. The benefits of participating in the WFO program include, as referenced by WFO (2013):


Builds stronger relationships with stakeholders in the community around walkability

Designation as a WALK Friendly Community is a valuable asset in attraction and retention of current and future community residents

The City of Hamilton and the City of Ottawa have silver designations through the WFO program. Grimsby could easily be a part of this pilot program, since it is committed to improving the walkability of the Town.

5.6.2 Historic Preservation and Community Identity

Centennial Park was created in 1967 to mark the 100th year of Canadian Confederation. However, the park holds something rare – it is home to a Neutral Indian burial ground. The remains of 373 Neutral Indians are buried in the parks grounds, which represent the community that existed before Grimsby (Beech, 2008). The Neutral Indians were original settlers of the Niagara Region and were comprised of Iroquoian tribes that occupied the area of western Lake Ontario prior to 1655 (Beech, 2008). The bones were undisturbed for more than 300 years until October of 1976, when Grimsby’s Parks and Recreation Department discovered them (Beech, 2008).

Implementing a trail exposes residents to the rich history that is immersed within the park. Residents may read the provincial plaque that recognizes the park’s history as a native burial site. Refer to Appendix D for the Ontario Heritage Foundation plaque.

5.6.3 Economic Development

The Centennial Trail will provide tourism opportunities, especially through the linkage of different parts of the community, such as Ridge Road to Centennial Trail. With various rights-of-way leading into town from Centennial Park, this enhanced tourism may result in increased investment in local shops and restaurants.


6. Material Justification

Asphalt is determined to be the most suitable material to use for Centennial Trail, based on the premise that within upcoming years, provincial legislation will require that all trails be wholly accessible. Asphalt creates a smooth, even surface, making it suitable for all users and skill levels, including wheelchairs. Asphalt is flexible and durable and has a lifespan of roughly 15 years, requiring minimal maintenance.

6.1 Cost

The projected expenses have been broken down by Phase to make the project more financially manageable. The total estimated cost for the proposed trail is $105,000, assuming that all 3 Phases are completed in order to “close the loop.” Phase 3 is not vital to the installation of the trail, but is recommended and may be installed at a later


date. The costing for the bridge is also expected to be less since the exact dimensions of the bridge are yet to be determined.

Below are the associated costs of installing an asphalt trail (Phases 1 and 2), along with the bridge (Phase 3):

Phase Length (meters)

Width (meters)

Material Type

Unit Cost ($)

Estimated Total ($)

Additional Notes

1 600.84 3 6” clear crushed stone, 1 ½” asphalt

$18/ cubic meter

$32,445 Area is boggy, additional aggregates/ screening may be necessary for stabilization

Delivery charge may be extra

2 899.16 3 6” clear crushed stone, 1 ½” asphalt

$18/ cubic meter

$48,555

3 N/A N/A N/A ~$20,000 $20,000 Cost is estimated as no exact dimensions are known

Cost is expected to be less

Estimated Total: $105,000 ($4,000 added on for site restoration)

*All costs are estimates quoted from Don Kirkwood

6.2 Maintenance

In terms of trails, asphalt prove proves to be one of the best material types as it requires little maintenance and has a lifespan of approximately 15 years. This is beneficial for a long-term material investment since the low and infrequent maintenance costs outweigh the higher upfront costs.

6.3 Environment

One of the largest environmental concerns in relation to asphalt is the leaching of harmful chemicals from the asphalt into soils and water bodies. Currently this issue has been addressed by most companies during the manufacturing process of the asphalt and does not pose as much of a serious concern anymore. During installation of the


trail, it is recommended that this issue be addressed when contracting a suitable company for the project.

Another environmental impact is through poor drainage. This issue can be addressed through the use of porous asphalt, which is permeable and allows for better drainage. However porous asphalt is a less readily available and advertised, but if financially feasible, it should be considered for Centennial Trail to mitigate these drainage issues. Since the proposed trail area has areas of poor drainage and is typically ‘boggy’, porous asphalt is optimal, as it does not retain water, but rather allows it to infiltrate through its pores (Portland Parks and Recreation, 2009). This translates into less maintenance over time due to decreased cracking of the asphalt from moisture (Portland Parks and Recreation, 2009).

6.4 Social

Asphalt will provide a smooth surface for wheels on bicycles, rollerblades, wheelchairs, strollers, etc., which makes it an essential material for the construction of a multiuse trail. Asphalt also provides a flat surface for runners and walkers for to enjoy as well. Asphalt is also suitable choice as the primary construction material for this multi-use trail as it can be readily placed on slopes and curves, which the proposed area has many of (American Trails, 2007).

7. Acknowledgments

In preparing our report we have received input and support from the following individuals:

Bea Clark – Chair of Pelham Active Transportation

Bruce Atkinson – Parks and Recreation

Provided bridge costing and information

Jackie Gervais – Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division, Public Health; Niagara Region Active Transportation Planner


Jinny Day – Executive Director, Grimsby and District Chamber of Commerce

Refer to attached letter of support in Appendix B

Michelle Weatherdon – Niagara West Tourism Association


Tony Quirk – Downtown Improvement Association


8. Other Sources of Information

Other sources of support for the proposed project may come from the following organizations:

8.1 Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative

The goal of Niagara Age-Friendly Community Initiative for the Niagara Region is to create safe and secure environments that foster community participation, personal health and wellbeing with a particular focus on older adults. Thus, joining a global effort led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to become an age friendly community.

The Niagara project is based on the WHO Age-friendly Environment Program, ‘an international effort to address the environmental and social factors that contribute to


active and healthy ageing’. The WHO is helping ‘cities and communities become more supportive of older people by addressing

8.2 Healthy Living Niagara

Healthy Living Niagara consists of a partnership of community groups and dedicated volunteers that promote policies and other actions to encourage Niagara residents of all ages to embrace healthy lifestyles. Programs offered by the organization include:

Healthy workplaces;

School travel planning; and

Active transportation.

Healthy Living Niagara supports The Economic Value of Active Transportation and the Impact of the Built Environment on Well-being project. The project aims to:

Create a tool demonstrating the economic impact of decisions regarding the built environment, active transportation and health; and

Support local regional and municipal policy actions around active transportation and the built environment that impact health and wellbeing.

9. Sources of Funding9.1 TD Canada Trust Environmental Fund

The TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF) was founded by TD Bank Group and is a Nation wide charity that funds environmental projects and programs across Canada. The charity has provided more than $60 million dollars to support more than 20,000 environmental projects across Canada since 1990.

Eligibility criteria for the TD FEF funding program includes organizations with a Charitable Registration Number, along with municipalities and Aboriginal groups. Centennial Trail may be considered an urban greening project, and therefore would be eligible to apply for the fund.


Link to grant information: https://fef.td.com/about-us/

9.2 Rotary Club

The Rotary Club is an organization comprised of business and professional leaders that aim to provide humanitarian service and encourage high ethical standards through programs and activities. The Rotary Club also provides district grants that fund smaller and short-term activities that address specific needs within a community. The grant would be applicable as the proposed multi-use trail is a specific need within a community to provide access to the sports park within Centennial Park, helps get the public active, and helps with the linking of communities.

Link to grant information: https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/rotary-foundation

9.3 Lyons Club

The Lions Club within the Beamsville and Grimsby regions is a non-political service club of members who wish to give time back to their community through volunteer work. The club recognizes the needs of the local community and wishes to help meet those needs through efforts of the members. If contacted, they may choose to utilize their fundraised income or their volunteers to support part of the trail building.

Link to club information: http://www.beamsvillelionsclub.org/index.html

9.4 Evergreen

Evergreen is one of Canada’s leading funders of Community and School Greening Project since 1991 and the organization has provided funds worth $5.7 million to over 2,000 Community Greening Projects in parks and public spaces. The mission of Evergreen is to inspire and enable action to green cities. Evergreen offers common grounds grants to support community groups in protecting and restoring urban green spaces. The proposed projects must be open to the community, located on publicly accessible lands and have a strong volunteer-involvement component.

For funding eligibility, community groups must be in partnership with their local municipality, federal or provincial government agencies or publicly funded institutions such as universities or hospitals. Evergreen presents Canon’s Take Root Program, for community based stewardship and restoration activities that include the planting of native trees and shrub species; the amount offered is $5,000.

Link to funding information: http://www.evergreen.ca/en/funding/

http://www.beamsvillelionsclub.org/index.html

https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/rotary-foundation


9.5 ParticipACTION

ParticipACTION is an organization that aims to create a more healthier and active Canada through the promotion of fun physical activity. They provide a number of grants on a regular basis, but they are currently providing a Teen Physical Activity Grant of up to $500 to community organizations that help teens get physical activity in their day. This can include the implementation of equipment, transportation, space rentals, etc. This grant can expectantly be applied for since if GAT shows that they are using the trail as a means of helping teens get active (ex. by skateboarding, running, cycling, etc.).

Link to grant information: http://www.participaction.com/teen-challenge/grants/

9.6 The Ontario Trillium Foundation

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario and is considered Canada’s leading grant producer. The mission of the Foundation is to build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Ontario through investments in community-based initiatives.

This project may qualify as part of the Environment sector that OTF gives priority to for grants. This sector focuses on projects that engage Ontarians in initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as initiatives that protect and build ‘green’ infrastructure within communities.

Link to foundation information: http://www.otf.ca/en/applyForaGrant/granting_programs.asp

9.7 Community Support

The Town of Grimsby might consider in conjunction with Grimsby Active Transportation other sources of financial support for the project. An option could be for community members or organizations to adopt portions of the trail or extensions of the proposed project. This will facilitate community engagement and involvement in the project and recognition of their support.


10. Final Comments

Grimsby Active Transportation provided us with the opportunity to research and develop an appropriate means of installing the proposed multi-use trail within Centennial Park. This is a meaningful project that provides mutual benefits to the interns working on the project, along with the internship hosts that were collaborated with throughout the project.

In submitting this proposal, we are requesting that the Town of Grimsby considers all of the information provided within this report to install the proposed multi-use trail within Centennial Park.


11. About the Authors

The authors of this report are currently internship students with Grimsby Active Transportation through Niagara College. The authors are enrolled in the Environmental Management and Assessment post-graduate program offered at the College. As a requirement of the program, the student’s address environmental, as well as social, economic and political concerns associated with various projects. They are training to be innovative and environmentally conscious throughout the deliver of projects to balance the interests of stakeholder groups in a sustainable yet practical manner.

Amanda Polewski graduated with honours from the University of Windsor in 2013 with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (BES). She has previous experience with an environmental impact assessment, researching the expected benefits of a proposed landfill project, along with relevant fieldwork experience. Her contributions to this project included introducing the issue, identifying the importance of the trail, outlining the associated benefits of the trail, sources of funding, other information, final comments, stakeholder engagement, project compilation and editing.

Danielle Vella is a recent graduate from McMaster University with a BA in geography and Environmental Studies. She has previous experience with environmental impacts, costing, invoicing and networking. Her contributions to this project included researching and identifying the advantages and disadvantages associated with different trail materials, the projected expenses of the project, stakeholder engagement, and identifying sources of funding for the project.


Kate Stasiak is a recent Environmental Studies graduate from the University of Windsor, specializing in Resource Management. She has previous experience conducting an environmental impact assessment for a proposed tunnel and has been involved in ongoing environmental extracurricular activities with Niagara College. Her contributions to this project included developing all maps using GIS software, identifying and summarizing the projected phases, and stakeholder engagement.

12. References

American Trails. (2007). Asphalt pavements and the environment. Retrieved on Wednesday February 12, 2014 from http://www.americantrails.org/resources/trailbuilding/AsphaltCO.html

Beech, Monique. 2008. 373 Neutral Indians buried in Centennial Park. St. Catharines Standard. Retrieved on February 22, 2014 from http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2008/11/13/373-neutral-indians-buried-in-centennial-park

Citizing. 2010. Why parks and trails are important: The foundation for preserving a Minnesota legacy. Retrieved on February 6, 2014 from http://www.citizing.org/data/projects/parkslegacy/Benefits072910_V1.pdf

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Appendices


Appendix AProjected Phase Areas


Appendix BLetters of Support


Grimsby and District Chamber of Commerce

Niagara West Tourism Association


February 25, 2014

Niagara West Tourism Association (NWTA) would like to offer it’s support to Grimsby Active Transportation’s initiative of the Centennial Park Multi-Use Trail proposal. This is an important part of our community and will greatly benefit a large number of our residents as well as promoting tourism in our community. NWTA will continue to support and promote this and other Grimsby Active Transportation initiatives in our community.

For further discussion, please do not hesitate to contact:

Michelle Weatherdon

Chair, Niagara West Tourism Association

905-979-0080

[email protected]

The Merchants of Downtown Grimsby



Appendix CKinsmen Community Park, Beamsville, Ontario

A similar staircase could be installed in Centennial Park as an extension of the proposed project. A staircase of this nature would aid in linking the Grimsby community at the base of the escarpment to the Bruce Trail.


Appendix DCentennial Park Neutral Indian Burial-Ground

Photo by Alan L. Brown, August 2004 to the Ontario Plaques website.

Documents

Multi-Use Trail Proposal for Centennial Park · Web view9.2 Rotary Club The Rotary Club is an organization comprised of business and professional leaders that aim to provide humanitarian