Rainbow Routes Association is currently reviewing the feasibility of a new barrier free community trail connecting Robinson Drive to the Southview Greenbelt and l'École Publique Hélène-Gravel. The route would begin at the current trail entrance located just East of 811 Robinson Drive, site of the old Corpus Christi School. An official community loop would be provided, which in turn would connect with the school and to the informal trail that extends to Catalina Court and Southview Drive. The new barrier free trail would conform to the Ontario Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulations.

Here is why RRA has selected to review this project:

Rethinking Active School Travel for Youth.

In today’s fast-paced world, we often miss the chance to slow down and take in our environment. Exposure to nature is especially important in early cognitive development amongst young ones. This trail would give parents the opportunity to park at the Robinson road trailhead and take a forest immersed walk with their children before and after school. The stretch of trail that extends into the Hélène-Gravel schoolyard would include a new entrance gate for privacy and safety purposes.

Open to people of all abilities

The Barrier-Free Community Trail would be constructed following the Ontario Integrated Accessibility Standards to offer a trail potential for the largest extend of users possible. The crusherdust surface, 1.0m wide trail, and gentle grades and inclines would aim to accomodate people with a wide range of mobility. Preliminary site evaluation supports the easy barrier free standard, while also minimizing impacts to the surrounding environment and avoiding mature or sensitive trees.

A rich natural experience

Early consultation considers work, if any, on the existing unofficial trail (yellow route on the map) which is alreadly widely used by people for a natural, more challenging and technical trail adventure. Proposed work initiatives would be minimal, and limited to enhancing general safety and experience (such as removing loose rock or unpleasent muddy sections)

Where we are at

RRA is currently consulting with people that would be most impacted by the proposed trail. These people are; the residents with properties abutting the barrier free trail (blue line), the school population, and members of the City's Accessibility Panel.

With their comments, we will be confirming the projects future steps. One can provide input via this firm community survey. A community feedback document, including questions and answers, will be created once information has been collected (June 2021 Initiative)