Appreciating the beauty of Prince Edward County’s natural wetlands and the fragile ecosystems that exist there were some of the reasons council was asked to reduce the speed along portions of the Millennium Trail.
Amy Bodman and Dave Mowbray addressed council at their Committee of the Whole meeting at Shire Hall on Thursday afternoon seeking the implementation of a speed reduction to 10 km/h.
Mowbury, a member of the the Trail Riders Association, told council the two stretches where they are asking for speed reductions would be between Danforth and Benway Roads and between Closson and Station Roads in the Hubbs Creek and Slab Creek Provincially Significant Wetlands.
Both admitted it would be a challenge to enforce the speed limits but they are planning on having an educational campaign about the speed reduction and how it will lead to the protection of wildlife, by giving people a chance to stop or slow down to avoid a snake, turtle or frog and it will also provide an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Bodman says they are recommending speeds of 10 km/h because most people speed at 10-15 kms over the posted speed limit meaning they would see people traveling along at 20-25km/h.
The trail has recently been resurfaced with limestone, which is a double edged sword as it provides a smooth trail surface for users, but also creates dust. The gravel along the edge of the shore is ideal for turtles to lay eggs and there are erosion issues.
Council voted in favour of the ask and approved the reduction from 50 km/h to 10 km/h through the provincially significant wetlands along the Millennium Trail.
Councillor Stewart Bailey said he was in favour of the reduction.
The motion will be read for final approval next month.
Council also approved a motion to send a letter to Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek and the Minister of Natural Resources John Yakabuski requesting Ostrander Point Crown Land Block and Point Petre Provincial Wildlife Area be designated conservation reserves.
Cheryl Anderson spoke on behalf of the South Shore Joint Initiative to protect the South Shore.
She told councillors she believes the danger comes from development and two of the largest green blocks of land along the shore are currently not protected.
Anderson said the South Shore is the last undeveloped shore along the north shore of Lake Ontario and it not only allows for ecotourism, but it provides a significant contribution to diversity protection, allows for opportunities for natural education and engagement of the public in nature related activities and it also addresses the County’s climate emergency declaration.
Council approved a motion in support of the ask, which will come forward at their March 10 meeting.
