Hub Trail Update

It’s been a great year for the development of the HUB trail and things are moving along quite well.  The Finn Hill section has recently been completed and, if you have not already done so, make sure you check it out.  The trail goes from the bottom of Finn Hill at Black Road and McNabb and winds it’s way up to the east end of Northern Avenue near Pine Street.  It’s 10 feet wide paved and shaded and is by far the best cycling path in this city and an example of things to come.  Previous to this, the section through Clergue was completed last year and although quite short, is quite a beautiful spot. 

Currently, work is being done on the McNabb Street/South Market extension section and should be complete by next summer.  The Third Line Section is also being constructed along with the road work and should also be completed by next fall.  We recently received $5 million to complete two more sections of the trail: Fort Creek and the link between the Library and the Plummer Hospital.  Construction on these sections will begin this winter.  By the end of 2011 most of the 20 km trail will be complete. 

When you think about it, this project was only an idea a few short years ago and with the energy of members of the Sault Cycling Club we were able to galvanize energies and unite trail groups to make this remarkable project happen.  I expect that we will see a significant jump in the number of cyclists when the trail is complete. 

One of the main instigators of this project was Jim Miller who was there from the beginning when STAC was formed and chaired the committee through the critical part of the project.  It’s unfortunate that he will not be able to see the final outcome but as a group, we have decided to build a trail head in his honor which will be unveiled this fall.  We are planning a big party for the event and we will keep you all posted.