A number of new development projects border the 48-km long trail, a unique natural and cultural heritage feature of County life. 

Developers make access to the Trail a selling point.

But coordination and careful planning are needed to ensure that access remains universal — and that the trail is not just protected, but enhanced. 

Gregor Stuart, Chair of the Trails Committee, and Landscape Architect Victoria Taylor were in Council last month to call on developers, councillors, and Trail-users to protect the Trail as a “linear park.” 

“This is not a 48-km line on a map, but a dynamic public green space, a cultural heritage landscape, and an essential piece of green infrastructure that has length and width.”

Victoria Taylor, Landscape Architect

The Trail offers a vital green space connecting Ameliasburgh, Hillier, Wellington, Hallowell, and Picton. It should be not just protected, but enhanced.

“Can we reframe the Millennium Trail not as a 48-km path, but as a 215-acre linear park?” she asked.

As development fills in, the Trail will become a more and more precious resource spanning the County’s residential and commercial core — but only if Council acts now. 

 Mr. Stuart and Ms. Taylor detailed a series of concerns about development along the Trail.

Using the Loyalist Heights proposal as an example, they noted new road crossings could pose a safety threat to trail users, while ample green space was needed to buffer the trail from both new access roads proposed to run alongside it, as well as from residential and other lot lines. 

Loyalist Heights, a 495-unit, 63-acre development near Warings Creek, sprawls across the Trail and proposes two new roads running across it. 

This particular section of the trail is the most heavily travelled portion; walkers, cyclists and ATV riders use it every day. 

In winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiles are common, as it connects to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs province-wide trail system.

Mr. Stuart noted the current configuration would create blind spots for trail users.

The development’s site plan also calls for fencing at the trail’s edge, something Mr. Stuart said could easily become “a pressure-treated corridor.” If allowed, it would set a precedent that would diminish the trail’s lush green spaces, crucial habitat for plants, birds, and animals.

“We are not just talking about Loyalist Heights. Our main focus is around safety and accessibility and protecting the entire expanse of the trail as a special green space for people and wildlife.”

Stuart Gregor, Trails Association

“We would like to see more robust guidelines in current planning documents so this asset — the jewel of Prince Edward County — does not get destroyed.”

Ms. Taylor and Mr. Stuart made three recommendations.

First, publish design specifications in Planning guidelines for road crossings and access points to the Trail that make it safe for users. 

Second, restrict construction of buildings and fences directly abutting the trail.

Third, establish a standard set-back for green space for the entire length of the Millennium Trail. Ms. Taylor recommended 6 meters on either side.

“I’m concerned that the green buffer along the Trail will become fragmented as it passes through development parcels in urban boundary areas. I’m here to ask Council to consider a minimum six-metre-wide green buffer on either side of the Trail along its entire length.”

Where there is an access road running alongside, a buffer  could further separate trail, green space and residential or commercial development. 

“It’s crucial that this buffer remains consistent for the entire length of the Trail.”

Ms. Taylor noted the six-meter figure is comes from consultations with Jennifer Gagne, a certified arborist and Coordinator of Conservation Biology for this area at the Nature Conservancy of Canada. It is sufficient to support large-growing trees and shrubs.

“This is a conversation that needs public input and to be guided by wildlife biologists and local conservation groups like the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists,” she added.