Northumberland-area politicians and staff gathered with other stakeholders on Friday (May 31) to officially open a new accessible trail in Northumberland County Forest.
The county unveiled the “Porcupine Universal Trail,” a new addition to the popular wooded area in Northumberland, which is situated on the Oak Ridges Moraine and attracts visitors from near and far in all seasons. The accessible trail is expected to enhance recreational opportunities for all community members.
Northumberland County was able to open the trail because it received funding from the federal and provincial governments through the “Investing in Canada’s Infrastructure Program COVID-19 Resilience Stream.”
“Ontario remains steadfast in ensuring rural communities like ours are truly accessible and we are proud to work with Northumberland County to make it happen,” said Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini in a media release. “This trail will allow so many more people the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Northumberland County Forest, learn about our environment, and understand the natural heritage of the region.”
Located at the Woodland Trailhead at 7363 County Road 45 in Roseneath, the Porcupine Universal Trail provides people of all abilities with the opportunity to explore and enjoy the forest, the county said. It joins two other accessible trails in the forest: the 3.2-kilometre Carstairs Trail at 1178 Bowmanton Road in Roseneath and the one-kilometre Beagle Club Heritage Trail at 180 Beagle Club Road in Harwood.
The official opening of the Porcupine Universal Trail coincided with National Accessibility Week, which is an opportunity to promote accessibility and inclusion across communities and celebrate the many social, economic, and cultural achievements of persons with disabilities. The Northumberland accessibility advisory committee helped collaborate on the aspects of a universal trail design to ensure a more inclusive space for the community, the county noted.
“This new trail is an example of our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where all members of our community can come together to enjoy the beauty of our natural surroundings,” said Brian Ostrander, warden of Northumberland County. “This trail not only enhances accessibility but also provides a platform for environmental education and appreciation.”
The trail was constructed with attention to environmental stewardship, and in consultation with the Williams Treaties First Nations to ensure the trail location avoided sensitive areas and minimized damage to vegetation and native habitat. Northumberland County is located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga.
At the official opening event, Jennifer Niles and Aiden Gorveatt from Alderville First Nation shared their Indigenous knowledge and voices to ensure the opening was inclusive and the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg territory was respected.
The trail covers a one-kilometre distance with a wide, smooth granular surface. It provides a full circular loop with smooth, low-sloping grades and a trail width of 335 centimetres. There are areas to rest along the trail, and the county has posted educational signs along the route, aimed at offering insights into the history and biodiversity of the Northumberland County Forest.
The trail traverses through a 100-year-old plantation that has been converted into a natural, mixed coniferous and deciduous forest.
“The Porcupine Universal Trail provides a way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors,” said Sean Fraser, the federal government’s housing, infrastructure and communities minister, in the release. “This accessible trail allows users to revel in the beauty of Northumberland Forest and learn about its history thanks to signage along the route.”
According to Northumberland County, the forest is considered to be “an ecological oasis for flora and fauna” that offers unique opportunities to connect with nature. The forest is an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
The county’s forest services team is responsible for managing the approximately 2,225 hectares (5,500 acres) of mainly forested land in the Northumberland County Forest. The forest appeals to hikers, along with those using ATVs and snowmobiles, among others. More than 100,000 users each year take advantage of the forest’s 118-kilometre trail network.
Large forests, like the county forest, are extremely valuable for conservation, the county noted on its website. They provide habitat for species that depend on large forests, and they are often the remaining refuges for rare and at-risk habitats, vegetation, and wildlife.
