Starting September 2, 2020, the Steve Bauer Trail will undergo daily closures as work to resurface the trail begins. It is anticipated that the daily closures will continue until September 11.

The trail will be closed for paving from Port Robinson Road to 300m south of Timber Creek Crescent. The work, part of the Ontario Municipal Commuter Cycling (OMCC) grant program to help fund capital works projects for municipalities to improve cycling in their community, provides a more physically and geographically accessible trail system.

Pelham’s OMCC grant included just over $75,000. To qualify for the grant, the project must be completed by the end of 2020.

As part of the 2021 Canada Summer Games, Pelham received $21,250 toward the cost of a legacy project. These funds will be applied to paving the entire Steve Bauer Trail. Originally, the OMCC grant funding only covered enough to pave 800-1,000 metres. The paved trail will be two to three metres wide.

The project was originally included in the 2019 capital budget but was red-circled. With the grant funding, staff recommended delivering the project this year. Council approved the project on July 13, 2020.

Paving the Steve Bauer Trail is identified in the Active Transportation Master Plan as a priority to improve cycling and walking connections between the neighbouring municipalities of Welland and Thorold. The Pelham Active Transportation Committee is an advocate of the project and supports its completion.

This project is frequently requested by cyclists, pedestrians, seniors, and residents seeking an accessible trail in Pelham. The paved trail will provide links to the Meridian Community Centre, East Fonthill, Niagara College, and Welland’s paved trail system.