THE Rotary Club of Simcoe is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025 and plans to invest in local projects to commemorate the milestone.
Norfolk County Recreation Master Plan project lead Brenda Andress and Rich Roberts from the county’s Geographic Information System (GIS) department presented a vision for a new gravel cycling trail to the club at a recent meeting. The county, along with the Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club, is seeking a funding partner for the new recreation initiative.
The trail has not been formally presented to council for discussion or approval yet, but it will be included as a recommendation when the new Recreation Master Plan is complete.
Ms. Andress told the club that Norfolk County residents have expressed desires for recreation options that are accessible, collaborative, appropriate for all ages, outdoors but not focused on sports, encourage economic development, leave a lasting impact, safe, and family friendly. Rotarians were told that the cycling trail accomplishes all these goals.
If approved and funded, phase one of the trail will encompass several unopened county road allowances between Vittoria and Turkey Point, and link with existing trails maintained by the Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club. Phase two would eventually link the new pathway to the Lynn Valley Trail.
The estimated cost to build phase one is $70,000. Once complete, Norfolk County would assume liability for the trail, while the Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club would accept responsibility for ongoing maintenance. Ms. Andress added that interpretive signs recognizing trail investors could be added later.
For details about the Rotary Club of Simcoe and its 100th anniversary visit simcoerotaryclub.com or follow the club on Facebook. For more information about Norfolk County’s Recreation Master Plan, visit engagenorfolk.ca.
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Originally published January 15, 2025
