The idea of a 26 kilometre footpath to connect Prince Edward Point to Monarch Point along the County’s south shore is beginning to gain traction.

Joe Dale and Geoff Craig of the South Shore Joint Initiative offered a glimpse of what could be the County’s answer to the Bruce Trail at Council last week.

Over the past year, a 20-member SSJI subcommittee has engaged federal and provincial ministries, conservation organizations and land owners in Athol and South Marysburgh with the goal of creating a meandering footpath connecting Point Petre in the west to Point Traverse in the east.

The South Shore Footpath Project aligns with several municipal key strategies, and showcases one of the few significant alvar regions remaining in the world. The thin, nearly non-existent top soil atop a limestone base is a biodiversity haven and home to several at-risk species. 

The County’s south shore is the final expanse of undeveloped North Lake Ontario shoreline.

“We know that a foot path will control where people go and, by default, where people don’t go,” Mr. Dale said, regarding protection of one of the county’s most significant natural assets. “A footpath will help promote environmental protections and control abuses.”

Mr. Craig noted the ongoing development of the Bruce Trail offers a template.

“The Bruce Trail has been over 50 years in the making and I like to joke this trail will likely see me out,” he said with a chuckle.

An initial phase will create a temporary footpath trail across public and land trust properties, including the newly created Monarch Point provincial conservation reserve, the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory lands, the acreage under the control of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and lands under the control of Ducks Unlimited.

The second phase would involve engaging like-minded private property owners. Their cooperation could eliminate the need for municipal roadways to connect sections of the footpath. A permanent path all along the South Shore is the goal. 

Mr. Craig said discussions with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Environment and Climate Change Canada have already been fruitful.

“There’s been tangible progress for phase one.”

Sharing the Space

The footpath would be restricted to foot traffic. No bicycles or mechanized vehicles would be permitted.

Councillor Phil St. Jean noted ATVs have always used the South Shore. ATVs and side-by-sides travel seasonal roads and trails throughout crown land blocks. That practice is expected to be a permitted activity at Monarch Point in the conservation reserve’s management plan.

“Do you foresee any conflicts arising and how do you expect to resolve them?” he asked.

“We are interested in walking, but we know ATVing will continue to go on there as well and that’s fine. There will be trails designated for walking and trails designated for ATVing,” the team explained.

In the short term, the Ministry will work with the group to designate specific trails for walking while permanent routes are mapped out and developed.

Mr. Craig and Mr. Dale said public safety is paramount.

The South Shore is also busy with hunting activities in the fall and early winter which the organizers expect to continue.

“There are weeks of the year when sections of the Bruce Trail are closed for hunting season,” Mr. Dale said.

Mr. Craig added the South Shore Footpath Project creates a legacy of environmental consciousness and community pride. Actions taken today will benefit both people and nature for years to come.

The project officially launches June 22 at South Bay’s Mariner’s Museum with a celebration. The museum will serve as a central hub with food, entertainment, information booths, kids’ activities, and more. Guided walking tours at three nearby public land areas will showcase the beauty and potential of the footpath.