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I Sunday November 7, 1999 Oakville Beaver Weekend W eek en d F o cu s To reach this section call 845-3824 Fax:337-5567 H E R IT A G E T R A IL S N e tw o rk a liv in g g ift to c o m in g g e n e ra tio n s By Howard M ozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF I f the initial link of Oakville's Heritage Trails Project is any indication, the fin ished system in five years time should prove extraordinary. The just-completed initial leg runs roughly from Skyvalley Crescent on the west side of the Sixteen Mile Creek, into the creek valley and under the Smith-Triller Viaduct then up to Neyagawa Boulevard. The stretch planned for 2000 will continue on to Lions Valley Park. "Next y ear' work will be just as spectacular as this year," said Parks Recreati Director Bob Perkins. O rganizers have high hopes that the trails will act as an unbroken connection between north and south Oakville which is currently split two by the QEW and rail tracks. More than 100 kilometers of smaller existing neigh bourhood trails will connect to the overall network. "It's meant to be a lasting legacy of year 2000 activities for the town," said Trails Committee marketing and communica tions co-chair Jack Burkholder. The Heritage Trails Project is a partnership between the Community Foundation of Oakville (CFO), which initiated the effort, the CFO Trails Committee, which will finance the initiative, and the Oakville 2000 Millennium Committee, which is co-ordinat ing a number of fundraising events. The Town will build the trails then maintain them in per petuity. The aim of the project is to join together Oakville's four compass points by linking the town's three major north-south ravines with the existing Waterfront and Larry Cain Trails along with trails already established in the north. Linking Oakville's harbours, lakefront and heritage districts, the system will feature informative plaques so that all those who avail themselves o f the trails can leam more about the area's history (aboriginal settlements, mills, etc.) and its natural wonders. "More important, the trails connect people together," says Burkholder. "People should be a part of nature, not apart from nature." During a recent tour along the initial stage, Perkins explained that old logging and farm ers' trails were incorporated into the creek val ley component so as to mitigate the impact on the environment. "We didn't want to scar the valley with new trails," said Perkins. What hikers will find in the valley is a 100foot bridge from which salmon can be seen during their autumn run and suckers in the springtime. Deer, coyote, opossum, raccoon and other wildlife can likewise be glimpsed. At one point along the trail, walkers get a breathtaking view of the Sixteen's sedi mentary cliffs towering above them. Panoramic views also await those on lookout points along the valley rim. ve had a num ber of calls saying this is the best trail yet," said Perkins. Perkins said Oakville is blessed to have so much to work with to create trails which can't help but attract a wide range of peo ple. He is part i c u 1a r 1y pleased trail walking is increasing as a recreational activity for the area's aging population. "This is very much the park system of the future," said Perkins. "It's what people want." Such is the ever-changing nature of the landscapes that hikers will see new things in each season, from spring wildflowers and summer's verdant shade to fall colours and winter white, said Perkins. "You will enjoy four distinct experiences," he said. The easiest access for those eager to hike the first leg is to park at Sixteen Hollow Park on West Oak Trails Boulevard on the west side of the creek, then walk south along the top-ofbank trail to the entrance to the Heritage Trail. On the east, park at Neyagawa Park. (Just walk south to the gas pipeline corridor and continue west.) Next year, more parking areas will be ready. Seed money totaling $400,000 for the pro ject was raised by last year's Dream Home Lottery toward the $1.5 million start-up phase. One key component of fundraising is the par ticipation of local school children, such as the Beacon Initiative. (The beacons will be sold then used to welcome in the New Year by helping create a globe-circling "ribbon of light".) "We are really pleased with the interest shown by the schools and are delighted to announce that Pine Grove Elementary School students are our first Trailblazers, having raised over $1,000 with a walk-a-thon," said Heritage Trails project manager Gail Stinnes. Oakville Place has donated $10,000. to the Oakville Millennium Committee "Bronze" sponsorship, sup porting the Heritage Trails legacy project. Susan Sheppard, Peter Lambert made the presentation to Oakville Place General Manager Carol Hyams with Millenium Committee Chair Nancy Kelleher O'Dea look ing on. Other photos show some of the trails in the net work Photos by Peter C. McCusker