The Harbour Trail
Overview:
The concept for the Harbour Trail is a 2.15 km walking trail around Picton Harbour connected by seven lookouts providing views of Picton Bay.
The lookouts include amenities such as shade structures, landscaping, interpretive panels (historical and ecological information), seating (e.g. benches, tables), wayfinding signage and more.
Funding was secured through the Canada Community Revitalization Fund to upgrade four of the lookouts along the Harbour Trail in 2022/23. Staff continue to seek external funding sources to complete the Harbour Trail project.
Budget information:
- Budget year: 2022
- Total cost: $350,000 ($262,500 from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund and $87,500 from the County’s parkland reserve)
Project Status:
Completed
Phase 1 - Complete Summer 2023
To Be Confirmed
Phase 2 - TBC upon securing funding
Project Details:
A task team of the Community and Economic Development Commission (CEDC) developed the conceptual plan for the Picton Harbour Trail in 2021. The task team included members of Council, CEDC, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Heritage Advisory Committee, and the Picton BIA.
In 2022, funding from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund was secured to upgrade the landscaping at 4 of the 7 lookouts along the Harbour Trail, including Chimney Point, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bridge Street, and Picton Marina with completion in Summer 2023. Interpretive panels touch on the history and ecological importance the of Picton Harbour.
Public consultation
In 2021, Staff consulted with a number of community groups and organizations to collect input on the Harbour Trail concept including: Regulatory Bodies (e.g. Quinte Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources), Mohawks on the Bay of Quinte, Property Stakeholders, Community Organizations (e.g. Community Care for Seniors, The ROC, Discover YOUth, Community Living), and municipal committees of Council (e.g. Environmental Advisory Committee, Heritage Advisory Committee).
In 2022, the municipality worked with a cultural interpreter to create seven information panels that tell a variety of stories about the harbour. The panels included information about the history, ecology, industry and people that shaped the harbour. The public was invited to contribute to the storytelling by sending in stories of the harbour.
Consultation on this project is now closed.
Long-term plan
In addition to the seven lookouts, the conceptual plan for the Picton Harbour Trail includes a number of other elements – pathways, sidewalks, boardwalks, green spaces, foot bridges. Implementing these elements will take place in future years as external funding becomes available. The municipality continues to work with private property owners to negotiate easements in order to eventually create a continuous boardwalk around the mouth of the Picton Harbour.
Staff Contact
Ashley Stewart
Community Services and Program Coordinator
Phone: 613.476.2148 ext. 2508
Fax: 613.476-8356