Ontario and Canada Open New Cycling and Walking Trail in Windsor
Press Release
17-Kilometre Herb Gray Parkway Trail the First of its Kind in Ontario
November 9, 2016
Ontario and Canada are celebrating the opening of a new, 17-kilometre multi-use trail in Windsor–the first trail that has been incorporated into a major provincial highway project in Ontario.
Today, Steven Del Duca, Ontario Minister of Transportation, was accompanied by Drew Dilkens, the Mayor of Windsor, Daniel Miskokomon, Chief of Walpole Island First Nation, Reta Sands, Walpole Island First Nation Elder, and Lori Newton, Executive Director of Bike Windsor Essex to officially open the trails on the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor. The trail runs from Malden Rd. in the west to Howard Ave. in the east.
The trail network features a continuous multi-use lit pathway, with bridges and tunnels that allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel the length of the parkway without encountering vehicles. Rest areas and interpretive signs are also located where there are features of interest. Signage along the trails includes information about the parkway, regional cultural heritage, First Nation culture and history, and the special natural areas such as Tallgrass Prairie.
Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history — about $160 billion over 12 years, which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province, with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, the province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.
Investing in cycling and pedestrian infrastructure is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.
Quick Facts
- The parkway trail is approximately 17 kilometres, and is set within 120 hectares of green space situated alongside two highway extensions and across 11 tunnel tops.
- Construction of the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway began in 2011 and created approximately 12,000 jobs.
- The Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway will eventually connect to the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, linking Windsor to Detroit in the United States.
- The Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway was delivered through the province’s Alternative Financing and Procurement model. Ontario invested $636 million into the $1.4 billion project and the Government of Canada provided $764 million through the Gateways and Border Crossings Fund.
Additional Resources
- The Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway
- Windsor- Detroit Bridge Authority
- Transportation 2030 – The Government of Canada’s Strategic Plan for the Future of Transportation in Canada
Quotes
“I am very pleased to have reached this major milestone. With the completion of the multi-use trail system along the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway, pedestrians, cyclists and adventurers alike can – for the very first time – enjoy 17-kilometres of paved and lit trails in Windsor. This project will help promote healthier lifestyles while keeping some of our most vulnerable road users safe.”
“I am pleased to recognize the opening of the new Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway multi-use trails. These trails are an integral component of the new parkway and will allow pedestrians and cyclists to travel throughout the area in a more safe, efficient and environmentally responsible manner.”
Kate Young
Media Contacts
Andrea Ernesaks
Minister’s Office
Andrea.Ernesaks@ontario.ca
Bob Nichols
Communications Branch
416-327-1158
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