The Township of Centre Wellington is committed to promoting active transportation within the community. Using the Trails Master Plan as a guide five trail loops were identified that seek to consolidate efforts to improve the conditions, safety and accessibility of active transportation opportunities. This was made possible by the Canada Infrastructure Program grant, a cost-shared infrastructure funding program between the federal government, provinces and territories and recipients. The project will generate a complete active transportation system for residents and visitors where each active transportation loop varies by location, difficulty and mode (bike, pedestrian etc.). It will include options for digital mapping and connect the Fergus and Elora trail networks, enhancing cross-community recreation and tourism.


The Centre Wellington Trail Loops project main objectives are to:

  • Provide safe and inclusive active transportation options for residents and visitors by creating bike and pedestrian lanes and creating clear signage and safe road crossings at trail intersections
  • Allow for efficient and affordable forms of transportation
  • To reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions by promoting energy efficient transportation


Project Scope

The scope of the project includes:

The Trail Loops

  • 5 Trail Loops
    1. River Loop – 11.3 km’s – Moderate
      • This loop is intended for those who wish to travel between Fergus and Elora efficiently. It provides the shortest way to commute on-road between the two towns. Although suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists caution is required as this route shares the road with vehicles with a posted speed limit of up to 60 km/h.
    2. Upper Grand Gorge Trail – 1.3 km’s – Moderate
      • This route provides one of Elora’s most spectacular views. You’ll see the Tooth of Time, Lover’s Leap and the Elora Gorge. The route is partly sidewalk and recreational trail and may provide a challenge for some users. Pedestrian Only.
    3. Bissell Loop – 1.8 km’s – Easy
      • This loop will take you to one of Elora’s favourite parks. Bissell Park contains a wonderful boardwalk and paved path. You will see downtown Elora and a splash pad to cool off. Most of this route is on-road/sidewalk with two pedestrian bridges. Cyclist and pedestrian friendly.
    4. Riverwalk – 719 m – Easy
      • This short loop in Fergus provides a great view of the Grand River and the falls. Right in the heart of downtown Fergus the terrain is sidewalks, boardwalk and recreational trail suitable for all abilities. Pedestrian Only.
    5. Trails Loop – 9.3 km’s – Moderate
      • The Trestle Bridge gives you a view of the Grand River and the County Museum that is spectacular. The Trestle Bridge Trail and the Elora Cataract Trailway are joined in a loop by some on-road sections. The stone dust paths provide easy terrain for cycling and hiking.
    6. Directional signage is posted with a QR code leading to a Trails Mapping Application

Trail Kiosks

  • The installation of 5 trail kiosks that include a map of the Trail Loops within Fergus and Elora at key locations

Sharrows

  • Sharrows (Share the Road Arrows) marked on the asphalt of heavy traffic areas to indicate to drivers to share the road with cyclists

Union Street Shoulder Widening

  • An increase in the pavement width from 6m to 9m between Braeside Rd and Athol St. to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists

New Pedestrian Crossings (examples below)

  • Gerrie Rd at the Elora Cataract Trailway
  • South River Rd and the Trestle Bridge Trail
  • Metcalfe St and Carlton St at the bridge