New bike trail approval in principle for Libro Centre property

By Ron Giofu

Amherstburg town council has granted approval in principle for a new bike trail at the Libro Centre.

The trail would exist near the new walking path/trail recently opened with the new bike trail to be constructed on and around berms beyond the centre and right field fences at the premier baseball diamond and beyond the northerly fencing along the outdoor turf soccer/ football field.

James Braakman from the WindsorEssex Bike Community (WEBC) appeared before town council at the Feb. 21 budget session and said the group is a registered non-profit organization that advocates for the development and improvement of cycling trails in Windsor-Essex County. The group works on behalf of all types of cyclists while “providing a platform to promote mutually-beneficial partnerships between the riding community and local government.”

The current goal in Amherstburg is to develop mountain biking trails at the Libro Centre, with the project being multi-phased. The recent appearance by WEBC was to do with Phase 1, with future phases being determined based on the Libro Centre Master Plan. The master plan has yet to be finalized in its entirety by council.

Braakman outlined the physical and mental wellness benefits of cycling and believed there could be economic benefits as well.

“I think this trail could be an economic driver for the town,” Braakman told council.

WEBC believes the trails could increase use of the Libro Centre, create a safe setting for youth to explore nature, more social opportunities, increase volunteerism, expanded access for residents to be active outdoors, and increased social events such as trail building, community group rides, skills clinics, bike festivals, summer camps, and races.

Trails could also improve tourism, increase economic development , create a “premier cycling destination” that could host revenue-generating events, and develop new cycling-related businesses in Amherstburg, Braakman told council.

“We think there is a growing riding community in Essex County,” Braakman added. “There are a lot of people who really want this to happen.”

Phase 1 of the project will include three downhill trails, one cross country trail and could be completed by spring or summer of 2023, Braakman’s presentation stated. It would be 1.7 km of trails, he said.

The WEBC has a $35,000 fundraising goal to complete Phase 1, he added, with an extra $5,000 for a contingency fund. The group sought help from the town to transport dirt to the construction site and permission to cut brush from where the trails would go. Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon stated the dirt could be moved using existing staff.

The trails would be created by insured volunteers with experience in trail building, Braakman indicated.

Councillor Don McArthur was enthusiastic about the proposal.

“I love this idea,” said McArthur. McArthur said he spends a lot of time running in Malden Park in Windsor and sees a lot of kids and adults on the nearby BMX trail. He believed this will be a benefit for Amherstburg and allow similar opportunities here.

“I’m excited for this,” added Councillor Peter Courtney. “When you see zero dollars attached to it, how can you not be excited?”