Finn Hill gets its wheels

The Finn Hill section of the Hub Trail got its go-ahead from City Council this evening.

A section of the trail from Black Road to Pine Street was approved for construction this year, subject to funding and contractor availability.

"This adds a big chunk to the trail," City Planning Director Don McConnell told councillors. "When this section is complete, it will bring the total complete to about 20 percent."

In his written report to council, McConnell said this latest section will complete much of the East End portion of the Hub Trail project.

"Completing the Finn Hill area trail will result in approximately 3.65 kilometres of trail, as this section will connect into the scheduled McNabb Street - South Market Street reconstruction, which includes the development of the Hub Trail on the south side of the street," McConnell said.

Also tonight, City Council also authorized a contract with Kresin Engineering to coordinate the work.

McConnell said the new section of the Hub trail will include a memorial to James Miller, former chair of the Sault Trail Advocacy Committee (STAC), who died last year and was a key advocate for trail development within the community.

The City is being asked to develop the Finn Hill section of the trail using crushed limestone gravel, as opposed to asphalt, because the area has very wet soils.

The gravel will be more complementary to the natural environment in that area.

This year's trail project will be financed through the City's capital improvement budget.

All the land needed is owned by the City.

"The first section of the trail, on the east side of Carmen's Way from Queen Street to John Street, was completed as part of the overall construction of the transportation corridor (approximately $120,000)," McConnell said in his report to City Council. "A second section of the trail will be completed this summer with the completion of the Clergue Park waterfront project. The Shannon Road reconstruction project from Margaret Street to Wellington Street will also include a section of the Hub Trail along the east side of the new road."

McConnell also said that portions of the trail network will be completed in conjunction with other scheduled road reconstruction projects, including Third Line, Pine Street and Queen Street East.

The overall development of the Hub Trail network is set to be completed by 2011, subject to the availability of funding, he said.