December 14th, 2020
Story by C Richard Campbell
The Lynn Valley Trail is an old abandoned railway right-of-way between Port Dover and Simcoe. The 11. 8 kilometer trail was originally purchased by the former Regional Municipality of Haldmand-Norfolk as a future utility corridor.
It has a colourful past. As an example, in the 1930s and 1940's, Port Dover high school students rode the electrified railway to the Simcoe High School. Now there are walkers, joggers and bicycles enjoying the trail.
The trail was officially opened in 1993. Today, it promotes recreation, health and tourism.
Diane Luke, a Director with the Lynn Valley Association zoomed into our homes and businesses to update the Rotary Club of Simcoe on the activities and projects of the Lynn Valley Trail Association.
Diane Luke
The Rotary Club of Simcoe has had a long relationship with the trail even before it became operational. Rotarians such as Chris Lee (deceased) became advocates and promoters of the conversion of the future utility corridor into a community recreational asset.
It didn't stop there! Individual Rotarians have been involved in the development and fundraising for the trail. Others became substantial financial contributors. Recently, the Rotary Club of Simcoe donated money to the Association for the maintenance of the Rotary Bridge. Simcoe Rotary takes the bridge maintenance seriously. Before his death our Rotarian repaired and repainted a vandalized Rotary Bridge sign.
The nearest trestle bridge (one of three) to Memorial Park in southern Simcoe is known as the Rotary Bridge.
The Club was informed by Diane that there are 515 Association members and about 6,000 monthly users. A number of our Rotary members have admitted to being regular users of the trail. The sum of $ 125,000 is being raised for maintenance and improvement of the trail
In this Covid-19 environment, users of the trail have told the organization how important the trail is to their physical and mental health. Diane commented that trail usage has increased in these Covid-19 times.
For more information on the Lynn Valley Trail in Norfolk County, visit their website at Home - Lynn Valley Trail . If you are in a contributing mood, consider a giving a donation and/or becoming a member of the Association.