- Hastings County Warden and Tweed Reeve, Jo-Anne Albert, Prince Edward-Hastings MPP, Leona Dombrowsky and Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance General Manager, Cindy Cassidy, welcomed one and all to the recreational trails off Alexander Street in Tweed Tuesday, May 24th where a $100,000 trail commitment from the Tourism Development fund was announced.
By SHANNON BINDER BRAY
The Tweed News
On Tuesday, May 24th, the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance (EOTA) received a $100,000 boost to its 700 plus kilometre expanse of recreational trails thanks to the provincial government by way of the Tourism Development fund.
Some local municipal leaders from the twenty municipalities that the EOTA trail spans, as well as regular trail users, celebrated the morning announcement that took place just off Alexander Street in Tweed.
As Manager of the Trails Alliance, Cindy Cassidy expressed thrill for the receipt of the funding which will be used to grade, gravel and manage the multi-purpose trail as well as allow for equipment purchases and the placement of identifying link and loop signage throughout the trail network.
David Gerow was the first to address the crowd. Gerow has sat on the EOTA Board for the past four years as the Township of Havelock Belmont Methuen representative and although not currently a municipal councillor, Gerow continued as an EOTA Board member. He now chairs the organization which represents and manages trail systems within twenty municipalities. Gerow welcomed Leona Dombrowsky, Member of Provincial Parliament for Prince Edward-Hastings who also represented Tourism and Culture Minister,
Michael Chan, who was unable to attend the event due to illness.
Having cited Dombrowsky’s career achievements within his introduction, including mentioning that Dombrowsky is known locally as the “walking woman,” Dombrowsky’s response to Gerow was that her most important credential is as Hastings MPP, simply because this is her home.
Dombrowsky, who has worked with Cassidy for the past 12 years, hailed her as a strong and capable
trails manager who is “not just an advocate.” Although Cassidy would argue that her staff is just as deserving of recognition, Dombrowsky credited Cassidy’s leadership skills for their dedication.
Dombrowsky noted the attendance of local leaders including Lyn Linton, Executive Director of the Gateway Community Health Centre, Dan McCaw, Wollaston Township Reeve, Terry Clemens, Marmora and Lake Reeve and Henry Hogg, Addington Highlands Reeve. She said Municipal leaders understand the significance of having local trails because they are good for community health as well as the local economy through
shared use by snowmobilers, hikers, walkers, cyclists and ATV riders, all with “wallets in their pockets.” Because of the health and economic connections, Dombrowsky noted the government has a vested interest in supporting trail infrastructure.
The local MPP extended deep regret on behalf of Chan but said he was “not off the hook,” and that he will hopefully make the trip to Tweed in the future with “more good news.” A press release from the Minister relayed, “The McGuinty Government is a proud partner of our tourism sector, supporting the important work of organizations like the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance. By enhancing the many attractions Ontario is home to, we draw a greater number of visitors from within our borders and beyond – generating jobs and
revenues for local communities right here in Eastern Ontario and throughout our province. With so much to see and do this summer, I encourage all of us to stay and play in Ontario.”
Tweed Reeve Jo-Anne Albert, as Warden of Hastings County, recognized the support extended by Dombrowsky, the Ministry and Tweed, calling it “a wonderful, beautiful community.”
The Warden relayed that recreation trails have been identified as one of the biggest economic development opportunities within municipalities; evident within the 20 area municipalities that make up the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance network. Albert also recognized Cassidy “for being such a great caretaker of this system,” further noting the funding “will put the EOTA well ahead of other areas.”
It was Cassidy’s diligence, Albert said, that allowed EOTA a successful application to the Tourism Development fund. She said Cassidy is well aware of applicable funding and accesses all the available sources of revenue that she can.
The trail system off of Alexander Street extends east to Glen Tay near Perth and west to Havelock. Following the announcement, Dombrowsky and Albert set off down the trail, courtesy of Tweed Recreational Sport and Lawn, for a quick ride before rejoining the group for refreshments.
