River Trails officially opened!

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Over 100 people gathered to celebrate the Grand Opening of Rainy River’s new walking/hiking/biking trail system known as River Trails!
Master of Ceremonies, Heidi Ivall, kicked things off at 11:45 a.m. last Wednesday. She said the trails were a result of collaborative efforts by several partners. She outlined some of the history, saying it all began with a survey of the public. A planning committee was struck in 2010 and from there partners such as the Town of Rainy River, Northwestern Health Unit, Rainy River Recreation Board, Rainy River Future Development Corporation and the Ontario Trillium Foundation came on board as needed.
The 4.2 km of trails begin at Heritage Square on Hwy. 11. They then run down Main St. and are well signed so people can follow them. They head west for two blocks, then south to the park where paved trails run all the way to the former Mill Yard. People can turn west at the school and stay on paved/concrete surfaces or choose to take a Greenway path around the Mill Yard.
Ivall said, “We see it as active living with a view. We want to encourage you to walk it, hike it or bike it!” The Grand Opening was held at the park to showcase the beautiful view of the Rainy River trail users experience.
Rainy River Mayor Deb Ewald then took the podium for a few comments. “This trail helps us build on the Town motto, ‘A great place to visit, an even better place to live!” She also thanked all the partners that helped make the trail a reality.
Linda Hamilton of the Trillium Foundation then spoke. “We proudly provided $65,000 towards the development of the trails here! We saw this as an opportunity to invest in the success of Rainy River!”
Geoff Gillon of RRFDC said, “We were happy to support this project and liked how it linked the highway to the community. Signage promotes stopping and using the trails!”
Richard McKinnon spoke on behalf of MPP Sarah Campbell and MP John Rafferty extolling their congratulations on the opening of the trails and conveyed their regrets that they could not be there.
NWHU Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jim Arthurs encouraged people to use the trails but do so safely. “Wear sunscreen, bike helmets and be safe!”
Following a ribbon cutting a community walk of the trails was held. Students from Riverview Elementary School were at the opening and participated in the walk as did members of the community. A healthy snack booth was set up at Riverview School for walkers to enjoy.