New Chrysler Greenway entrance dedicated in Ruthven

Under cloudy skies, the new access point to the Chrysler Canada Greenway had its unveiling on Thursday, June 2.

On hand at the WFCU Credit Union Community Entrance on Union Avenue (County Rd. 34) in Ruthven were dignitaries from the Town of Kingsville, WFCU Credit Union and the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA).

The new entrance connects the Chrysler Greenway to the east (Leamington-bound) to the Chrysler Greenway to the west (Kingsville-bound) and provides area residents with alternative routes for traveling between the two municipalities.

Unveiling the new sign, from left, are Kingsville Councillor Larry Patterson, ERCA CEO Tim Byrne, ERCA Chair Tania Jobin, Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos, The Grove Hotel owner Jennifer Flynn, WFCU Board member Cary Wheeler, WFCU President Eddie Francis and ERCF President Claire Wales.

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The new entrance features a rest area, a bike repair station, parking and signage to promote trail access in Kingsville.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is part of our mission as a credit union,” said Eddie Francis, President and CEO of WFCU Credit Union. “This entrance represents our continuous investment in Essex County and the importance of providing further opportunity and experiences for our members, their families and the communities that welcome us.”

The Chrysler Canada Greenway had its beginnings in 2000 and stretches nearly 50 kilometres from Leamington to Harrow and then north into Tecumseh. It intersects with the Cypher Systems Group Greenway which connects Amherstburg to the town of Essex.

“Trails increase the value of nearby properties, boost spending at local businesses and provide active transportation to cut fuel expenses,” said Claire Wales, President of the Essex Region Conservation Foundation.

The group in attendedance was able to unveil the new signage at the site and take a short tour of the trail itself.

“The addition of the new community entrance defines every essence of community and what it takes to support the health and vitality of all those who have chosen to call Kingsville — and more specifically Ruthven — their home.”

Trying out the trail are Eddie Francis and Tania Jobin in the front, with Nelson Santos, Claire Wales, Jennifer Flynn and Larry Patterson in the background.

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ERCA Chair Tania Jobin called upon Jennifer Flynn, owner-partner of The Grove Hotel in Kingsville and the future Grove Motel in Colchester, who was grateful for the connectivity for her businesses.

“As a business owner and resident of Kingsville, I can tell you our business is growing and for us it’s all about the guest experience,” she said. “All of these improvements mean so much to us as a business in the community.”

“On behalf of the families who will access the Greenway trails through the WFCU Credit Union Community Entrance for recreational enjoyment, members of the workforce who will use it for environmentally friendly transportation, the businesses who will benefit and from the community at large, we thank you,” added ERCA Chair Tania Jobin.