Antigonish town, county residents call for trail project to be completed

Residents of the town and the County of Antigonish are advocating for the completion of a multi-use trail project that would span through their community. The project, which has already seen the first phase completed with a paved pathway running from West Street to Highland Drive, aims to provide residents with a safe and accessible route for walking, biking, and other recreational activities.

However, concerns have been raised by the town’s mayor, Sean Cameron, regarding the escalating costs of the project. Cameron expressed worries that these rising costs could ultimately burden the town’s residents financially. With the trail’s estimated total cost at $4.6 million, and already $300,000 over budget, Cameron emphasized the need for careful consideration of the project’s future phases.

The proposed subsequent phases of the trail project involve expanding the trail through St. Ninian Street, Church Street, Columbus Field, and East Main Street to Adam Street. Additionally, the project intersects with the Bay Street infrastructure upgrade, which includes roadwork, accessibility improvements, and drainage enhancements. Municipal officials suggest that completing both projects simultaneously would minimize disruptions and reduce overall costs.

At a recent town hall meeting, residents like Gina MacInnis voiced their support for seeing the project through to completion. MacInnis, a mother of four and an active member of the community, highlighted the importance of the trail for promoting outdoor activities and community engagement. Similarly, three-time Olympian Eric Gillis, who attended the meeting, emphasized the trail’s significance beyond just transportation, as it provides a space for social interaction and physical exercise.

Despite the project’s lengthy development process, spanning over two decades from the initial trail study in 2007 to project approval in 2021 and 2022, Mayor Cameron and council members are now faced with critical decisions on the project’s future. With funding primarily sourced from federal and provincial grants, the town must balance financial constraints with community demands for the trail’s completion.

Moving forward, the town plans to assess feedback from the town hall meeting and evaluate the project’s financial implications. A detailed report outlining the project’s status and associated costs will be made public in the coming weeks to inform residents and stakeholders about the next steps in the trail’s development. As the community eagerly awaits the trail’s completion, the town of Antigonish remains committed to enhancing active transportation options and fostering a vibrant and connected community for all.