Kinghorn Rail Corridor Trail Study
TRANS CANADA TRAIL ONTARIO
Photo courtesy of Trans Canada Trail Ontario
THUNDER BAY, ON – February 15, 2011:The proposed Trans Canada Trail development of a multiuse recreational trail on the abandoned Kinghorn rail line between Nipigon and Thunder Bay is one step closer to reality. Consulting firm MacLeod Farley & Associates of Owen Sound, a community economic development specialist, has been hired to conduct a feasibility study of the project.
The study will assess the proposed development of a 111-km multi-use recreational trail linking five municipalities from Thunder Bay to Nipigon along Lake Superior’s north shore. Special consideration will be given to the potential economic and social benefits of the trail, as well as its appeal to business investors. If the project goes ahead, the abandoned rail infrastructure will be repurposed as a transportation corridor for potential use by hikers, cyclists and snowmobilers to explore the area’s rugged grandeur.
Cameron Clark, TCTO Board Director, said “We are very pleased to be funding partners for this project, which will provide essential information to our partners, trail builders, and communities in the vicinity of the proposed trail. We are committed to connecting the Trans Canada Trail from coast to coast to coast by 2017 and we are very hopeful that the Kinghorn will become part of that vision.”
An engineering study to determine the feasibility of modifying 12 rail bridges located along the route for safe recreational use will also be underway. Genivar Engineering will be working on the study starting in Spring 2011. One such structure is the magnificent Blende River Viaduct (locally known as the Pass Lake Trestle) built in 1916 – an impressive structure at 2280 feet across and 140 feet high.
Funding for both studies was provided by the Ontario government’s Northern Communities Investment Readiness program; Regional Tourism Organization 13C; and Trans Canada Trail with contributions from the following regional partners; the City of Thunder Bay Tourism, the Township of Nipigon, Red Rock, Dorion and Shuniah; and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs District 16.
