In 2016 at an open community meeting, Glen residents came together to re-imagine the role of our community association. This month we present another example of the six suggested areas of action your community association is pursuing on your behalf. We know that there is a high level of interest from residents in preserving and enhancing the natural and built heritage of the hamlet.
A new natural heritage initiative that should excite Glen residents is the proposed Credit Valley Trail – a 100 km heritage pedestrian corridor running from the Credit River headwaters near Mono to the mouth of the river in Port Credit. We first wrote about this vision in November 2015 and thanks to the generous support of funding partners, the plan’s lead author has made solid progress over the last two years.
The Credit Valley Trail Strategy, planned to be launched in November 2017, will identify a visionary alignment for both hiking and cycling and 20 natural and cultural heritage destinations along the Credit River. The goal is to create a trail that is more than just a route, but is a heritage experience where users will learn about the river’s hidden stories concerning indigenous people, early villages, remnant forests, architecture and art. Three of the 20 identified destinations are in Halton Hills, with the hamlet of Glen Williams uniquely positioned at the half-way point along the route. Credit Valley Heritage Society Executive Director, strategy author and Georgetown resident, Susan Robertson met with the GWCA Board this past June to discuss the project and the potential for interested Glen Williams residents to pilot ideas that would support this trail through our village.
The Credit Valley Trail Strategy will set direction for trail development from headwaters to mouth and will serve as a strategic guide for partners and implementers. Two additional focus plans – a Tourism Plan, and an Indigenous Experience Plan – also to be released this fall, will link the trail to tourism connections and indigenous relations along the route and further the trail’s potential in and around our communities. As part of this fall’s public outreach plan, residents will be encouraged to complete a survey monkey posted on the Credit Valley Heritage Society website.
The goal of the Credit Valley Trail is to connect people to the river and promote the Credit’s role in the development of their communities. These connections have long been understood by the residents of Glen Williams. Our hamlet has it all – beautiful natural heritage, important built and cultural heritage, significant indigenous history and public access to the river. The proposed Credit Valley Trail Strategy will afford Glen residents further opportunities to strengthen the links between nature, culture and recreation for the enjoyment of hamlet residents and visitors alike. If you have an interest in getting involved in this exciting project, please contact the GWCA or CVHS Executive Director Susan Robertson.
Drew Leverette, GWCA
