WEBC volunteers help create trails at the Libro Centre

Aaron St. Louis was one of the volunteers helping to create a cycling trail at the Libro Centre last Sunday morning (left). John Tregaskiss (right) helps create some drainage for the trails. The Windsor-Essex Bike Community (WEBC) hosted a volunteer trail building day to help create the first phase of the trails. A professional trail builder will help with the creation of the course later this month, but WEBC plans to use volunteers whenever possible.

By Ron Giofu

Fundraising is still ongoing to build the new cycling trails at the Libro Centre but they have enough cash to start construction.

The cross country trails are now being worked on with approximately 15 volunteers with the WindsorEssex Bike Community (WEBC) at the Libro Centre Sunday morning to start work on them. The first phase of what WEBC hopes will be a four-phase trail project is on the backside of the berms, opposite the premier baseball diamond and football/soccer field and near the new walking trail.

“It’s been really exciting,” said James Braakman, one of the four WEBC directors with Glyn Buck, Ryan Henderson and Dave Doherty.

Braakman said they are enthused with the level of attention the cycling trail project has been receiving. He stated Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) and town tourism staff have reached out to work with them and promote the trails.

“We’re going to be collaborating with them,” said Braakman. “It’s neat to see how many people have taken note of what we’re doing.”

Braakman said town council support has been positive so far and the community has backed it as well. He said it is exciting for WEBC officials to see the support of residents.

The volunteer-led build Sunday was one of the first of such trail projects he is aware of in the region and pointed out they signed their land stewardship agreement with the Town of Amherstburg last Friday.

A professional trail builder is coming in May 15-19 to assist with the mountain biking trails, and that is where much of the funding they are raising is going, but volunteer labour is building the bulk of the trails such as the cross country portion, said Braakman.

“It’s really, really exciting,” said Braakman.

Work on Sunday included creating berms and improving drainage in the section of the Libro Centre property where the cycling trails are going.

The first phase of the trail will take an additional six to eight weeks to complete, Braakman estimated, but they hope to have a good portion of it finished by June 10. That is the date when Braakman said the town is planning to have a grand opening for the skateboard park and walking trail, with the aim of incorporating the cycling trails.

Fundraising is going well and Braakman said the

Notice of Application of Larvicide for Mosquito Control

Beginning on April 1th and continuing through to August 31st, 2023, Pestalto Environmental Health Services Inc. will apply a biological larvicide in the Amherstburg area. This application is for the control of larva mosquitoes only and will be conducted over specific mosquito breeding sites within the boundaries of:

Kingsbridge Subdivision to McCurdy Drive and from the Detroit River to Meloche Rd / Concession 3 N

A detailed map that indicates the specific boundaries of application and affected properties for this program is available at the Town of Amherstburg Public Works office at 512 Sandwich Street South and on the Town’s Website at www.amherstburg.ca

The larvicide VectoBac 1200L (PCP#21062, liquid) and VectoBac 200G (PCP# 18158, granular) may be applied to standing water if mosquito larvae are detected. This product contains the active ingredient B.t.i. which is a naturally occurring bacterium found in soils and is very specific to mosquito larva. This bacterium is not harmful to bees.

If your property falls within the treatment area you may be contacted by direct mail. If you have any questions, concerns you may contact Pestalto at 1-866-648-7773 or by e-mail.

Technical And Program Information

Pestalto Environmental Health Services Inc.

501 Rennie St., Hamilton, ON, L8H 3P6 Tel: 1-(866) 648-7773 x234 Kevin Taylor at kevin.taylor@pestalto.com

April 22 “Hops and Handlebars” fundraiser went well. Businesses and individuals have stepped up to help create the trails. Approximately 150 people attended that evening at G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. and that also helped raise awareness of the project, he stated.

“We’re over $30,000 and there’s still time to donate,” said Braakman. “We’re definitely encouraging donations for future phases and maintenance.”

The fundraiser received support from not only the community, but businesses such as Wolfhead Distillery and Dancing Swallows Winery.

“It was awesome,” said Braakman.

According to Braakman, donations can be made through their website at www.webcride.com or through the Amherstburg Community Foundation at www.amherstburgfoundation.org.