NEWS RELEASE
TOWNSHIP OF RAMARA
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RAMARA - Over the last year, the Township of Ramara Trails Committee has worked tirelessly to expand trails in Ramara and promote active recreation.
The Ramara Trails committee, which was originally formed in 2003, has grown to nine volunteers and includes representation from both council and staff. These volunteers, who have dedicated their time and effort even through a pandemic, were able to expand two trails in Ramara: Lagoon City Trail and the Ramara Trail (Atherley to Washago Trail).
The Lagoon City Trail, which runs approximately 2.5 km, is a multi-use trail that runs off of Laguna Parkway. This year, the trails committee built 310 metres of multi-use trail, one new bridge, bridge railings, and a new entrance sign. As well, the committee was able to clear 1 km of walking trail, located off the main trail, using the abandoned rail line.
The Ramara Trail, which runs approximately 6 km, is a multi-use trail that runs from Atherley to Casino Rama. This year the committee was able to construct 800 metres of multi-use trail, refurbish three trail benches and refurbish and install a new Heritage Trans Canada Trail sign.
The Township of Ramara has 132 km of on- and off-road trails that run in five distinct parts: Gamebridge to Lagoon City, Lagoon City to Bayshore Village (incomplete), Bayshore Village to Atherley, Atherley to Washago and Washago to Cooper's Falls.
At this time, the trail system is incomplete as there is 18 km of proposed trail yet to be developed. However, it is the Committee's goal to expand the trails in order to connect Ramara communities and complete the Lake Simcoe loop.
Both projects this year were funded through the Trans Canada Trail Spring Clean Up grant, Trans Canada Trail Grant, Simcoe County Connecting Communities grant and matching funds from the Township of Ramara.
The Ramara Trails Committee, who presented at the Oct. 19 Committee of the Whole meeting, asked council to increase their financial support from $15,000 to $30,000 in order to help connect the trails from Lagoon City to Bayshore Village. Budget deliberations will occur at the Special Committee meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m.
For 2021, the Ramara Trails Committee is determined to keep expanding the trails in Ramara with help from the community, grants and other funding opportunities.
It is their vision to complete the trail network to connect communities, improve safety and complete the circle around Lake Simcoe in order to boost growth, tourism and business. Get out and explore Ramara using our free and fun trails that are accessible year round.
For more information on trails to explore in Ramara, check out the township website.
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