Millennium Trail Upgrade Project
The County has partnered with the Prince Edward County (PEC) Trails Committee to upgrade the Millennium Trail. The PEC Trails Committee has fundraised $110,000 in support of the project, and the municipality has dedicated $370,000 between 2017-2019.
About the Millennium Trail
Acquired by The County from the Canadian National Railway in 1997, the Millennium Trail is a re-purposed abandoned rail line that was converted into a multi-use recreational feature for the enjoyment of County residents and visitors. The trail is popular amongst a wide array of recreational enthusiasts year round, including cyclists, hikers, snowmobilers, ATV riders, and cross country skiers.
The 46-kilometre multi-use trail stretches from Carrying Place at County Road 64 to Picton at County Road 49, passing near Consecon, Wellington, and Bloomfield. With a trailhead near Lake Street in Picton, residents and visitors can easily explore the diverse businesses, cultural attractions, and green spaces offered within the historic downtown.
Upgrade Project Overview
Resurfacing and Signage
The County will resurface the trail from east of Wellington to Lake Street in Picton in fall 2017. An 11-kilometre section of the trail from Danforth Road to Highway 33 east of Wellington has already been upgraded through the hard work and dedication of the Rotary Club of Wellington.
In 2018, the municipality plans to upgrade the section of the trail heading west from Wellington to Carrying Place and the section heading north from Picton to Highway 49.
In the final year of the project, the balance of the resurfacing work will be completed and new signage will be installed the entire length of the trail, including kilometre markers, directional signage, interpretative signage, safety signs and information.
Trailhead Development
A number of locations adjacent to or near the Millennium Trail are being explored for future development into trailhead launch points which will include signage and parking to allow for ease of access. A trailhead location already exists at West Street in Wellington.
Hillier Eco-Passages
A two-kilometre stretch of the trail through two wetland areas in Hillier will feature several “eco-passages.” They will be designed to provide small animals such as turtles with a safe way to cross the trail. This work, scheduled to be completed in fall 2017, is in part made possible thanks to a $15,000 grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
More Information
For more information about fundraising efforts, or to donate towards the project, please visit the PEC Trails Committee website. Read the trails committee’s latest newsletter here.