City of Brantford Trails Rehabilitation Project Exceeds Goals

BRANTFORD, ON: As the year draws to a close, the City of Brantford is pleased to share the remarkable progress made in 2023 in an ongoing initiative to rehabilitate and enhance our trail network. 2023 efforts were significant, with 323 out of 455 trail safety audit recommendations either completed or underway, positioning the City to accomplish objectives of the trails rehabilitation project ahead of schedule.

Among the notable achievements are:

• The completion of 48 pruning recommendations and 78 asphalt recommendations, culminating in 8.4 kilometers of paving on major trails including VMP, Fordview, Brants Crossing, Gretzky, and D’Aubigney. 
• Action taken to address a large slope failure/washout along the Ham-Brant Rail trail, necessitating a month-long closure.
• Completion of the TH&B bridge rehabilitation project, including construction of a new wooden deck and the creation of 112 interior panels of the bridge featuring imagery painted by members of our community.
• Securing a $50,000 grant to implement crucial enhancements such as tactile plates across 9 locations, trail counters, and the installation of 5 benches along trails. These initiatives, aligned with audit recommendations, are slated for spring 2024.

Looking ahead to 2024, the City is well positioned to exceed targets on this project, with plans that include:

• Initiating work on 62 granular trail fixes and the installation of 3 culverts aimed at enhancing drainage and bolstering climate resilience.
• Procurement and installation of 108 signs strategically placed to improve trail accessibility, offering vital wayfarer information and hazard identification for trail users.
• Adding 10 additional benches along various trails to enhance comfort and convenience for users.
• Acquisition of a specialized trail groomer, the Reist Trail Pro, dedicated to improving ongoing maintenance efforts, ensuring the sustainability and quality of the trail network.

The City is proud to house over 70 km of natural trails along the serene Grand River, making Brantford an ideal spot for nature, hiking and cycling enthusiasts. The work to constantly improve experiences on our trails underscores the City’s commitment to creating a safer, more accessible, and enjoyable trail system for residents and visitors alike.

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Media Contact: 

Maria Visocchi Director, Communications, Community Engagement and Customer Service
City of Brantford | Office: 519.759.4150 Ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca 

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