GHTC and other community organizations have been working for over 20 years to create a safe intuitive trailway from the Kissing Bridge Trailhead at Silver Creek Parkway to downtown Guelph. MORE/LESS

The 2024-2027 City multi year budget did not include any funding to complete the #1 Trails Master Plan priority. At the council meeting that was reserved for public delegations regarding the budget, John Fisher, President of the Guelph Hiking Trail Club pitched the proposal that a redesignation of the project from “city building”, which relied on the city to plan, fund and install the trail would have a greater likelihood of completion if it was reclassified as a “community led ,city supported” trail installation. which would add a revenue generating asset at no cost to the taxpayer.

At council’s final budget amendment meeting in 2023,Councillor Downer proposed this motion that was unanimously supported by council.

Guelph's 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget

Councillor Downer's motion:

1. That Park staff be directed to initiate discussions with the Guelph Trail Users Coalition to consider a Community led / City supported approach toward the implementation of the Guelph to Goderich /Trans Canada North trail connection.

The Guelph Trail Users coalition (GHTC, running clubs, bike clubs, active transportation group) held a workshop Jan16th 2024. The CEO of the Trans Canada Trail and the E.D. of G2G both spoke on behalf of the community effort which when completed would Bridge the Gap in their trail network which would connect regional trails to city trails.

The Tourism Advisory Committee passed a motion recognising the economic benefits of Bridging the Gap. A small group has been spearheading efforts to move the project forward. Meetings have been held with the city and Guelph Junction Railway and the group has documented a “Project charter” which is now being shared with city staff. The group has also developed some strong professional allies to support our community effort.

The good news is that we have scheduled survey field work to begin mid June.This will be the basis of siting the trail and will determine our next steps.

More updates to follow, but our target completion date is 2027, Guelph’s Bicentennial anniversary. Link to G2G website , Guelph Today article.

Anticipated location of G2G trail alongside Guelph Junction Railway