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We need the trail in New Tecumseth

March 26, 2014   ·   0 Comments

Dear editor:

I have lived in New Tecumseth more than 20 years and am an avid walker.  I have enjoyed walking the Albion section of the trail which goes as far as Alton/Belfountain…through fields, which are fenced and gated and where crops grow or sheep and horses graze.  The gates are always opened and closed by the walkers and I have never seen signs of vandalism or disrespect towards these private properties. I was over-joyed to see the results of the trail upgrades from Highway 9 to Tottenham. The work done by our town is first class. The trail is wider; the footing is a fine gravel which makes bikers happy as well. We often meet Jim Stone and commend him for supporting this fine enterprise. We very rarely see garbage and never are there many people and so we get an opportunity to appreciate our beautiful country. Where we park there are usually no other cars or at most one or two.

I have also walked in Italy, France, England and Wales.  Walking gives one a feeling of well-being and accomplishment. We have enjoyed a “bird’s eye view” of country-sides, beaches, hills and dales. We notice the wild flowers blooming in the grasses and the animals grazing in the fields. The footpaths wind down country lanes, across farmer’s fields where crops may be growing or horses, sheep and cows grazing.  We climb over fences which have been prepared with stiles or we open and close gates between fields. In these and other countries, walking is a way of life.

In New Tecumseth we need walking trails which encourage outdoor activity and create healthy minds and bodies.  Unfortunately for the farmers, they are no longer the majority in this town. With sub-divisions cropping up in Tottenham, Beeton and Alliston, more young families are making their homes here every day. We are a growing, dynamic community and we must support such ventures as the Tecumseth section of the trans-Canada trail.

There must be many examples of the Trail going through farm-lands in other provinces or other sections of Canada.  They can help the farmers see that not only is this trail necessary, but it will happen and we hope we can all work together to make it a great contribution to life in New Tec.

Pat Callan,

Beeton

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