Why is this measurement important?
Trails preserve our rural and scenic quality of life while contributing positively to the local economy. Recreational trails also provide safe routes to school and keep air clean by reducing carbon emissions from automobiles. When local residents or visitors hike community trails, they have the opportunity to enjoy nature, renew and participate in healthy outdoor fitness.
Trails provide a link between people and their natural environment. It is recognized that trails play an important role in the environment because they help to protect habitat for native plants and animals, raise environmental awareness, provide opportunities for individuals to exercise, reduce transportation costs, improve quality of life and improve community cohesion.
Trails and pathways help boost the economy, improve health and build communities.
How is this measured?
Number of kilometres of recreational trails constructed and upgraded existing trails to develop a recreational trail system.
What progress are we making?
Over the past four years, we have introduced approximately 333 kilometres of bike lanes, multi-use paths, recreational trails and signed bike routes to the active transportation network.
The active transportation goal is 20% active mode by 2025 – 8% by bike and 12% by foot.
The Municipality has developed a Trails Master Plan. The plan is intended as the framework to guide the development and operation of trails in the short, medium and long term. It defines a strategy for developing a municipal-wide trail network that links communities, neighbourhoods, parks, schools, shopping areas, destination areas and open spaces. It identifies short and long-term trail network priorities; identifies potential partners; makes recommendations regarding trail design, signage and construction; outlines policies to support the implementation of the plan; and estimates the cost of the plan over 20 years.
