June 21, 2023

Armstrong Creek Trail in Markdale gets official opening

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — On June 21, Grey Highlands Mayor, Council and staff, as well as representatives from other stakeholders and sponsor organizations gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Armstrong Creek Trail in Markdale.

The list of contributors to the Armstrong Creek project included Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, GSS Engineering Consultants Ltd., Seeley and Arnill Construction, Trout Unlimited Canada, TC Energy Corporation, Enbridge Inc., The Rotary Club of Markdale, Ontario Wildlife Foundation, Capstone Infrastructure and Bruce Power.

Mayor Paul McQueen led the ceremony, touting Armstrong Creek as one of the largest cold water streams in the area. "This is an exciting project to help people stay active and play outdoors," said McQueen. "The trail is here for you to enjoy."

National Biologist/Director of Conservation for Trout Unlimited Jack Imhof explained his organization's vision to create an asset to this community. "I'm so pleased at the progress we've made here," he said. Imhof described the Armstrong Creek Park and Trail as a world-class development and warned that storm water runoff from new housing could potentially contaminate the local ecosystem. "The Rocky Saugeen is the last cold water stream in this area," he said, underlining the need for careful consideration and cooperation with developers wishing to grow the town's population.

The Municipality of Grey Highlands CAO Karen Govan told the story of how the trail began as she helped plan out the trail's route through brush and burdocks. "I ruined a perfectly good pair of pants," she lamented.

It was also noted that the park is often visited by teachers and students at Beavercrest Community School who use the grounds as an outdoor classroom.

Part-time Markdale resident Dave Penny had many words of praise for everyone involved. "It's absolutely incredible what you have accomplished here."

Work on the trails at Rotary Park will continue. "We're not done yet," stated Markdale Rotary President Elect Eric Robertson as the proceedings came to an end.

 

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