To: Watershed News Media

Date: 28 October 2009

Cataraqui Trail area residents cautioned construction work happens over next few weeks

Residents of Camden East, Newburgh and the Sydenham areas, as well as users of the Cataraqui Trail, may notice construction traffic in the area.

"Furthermore, portions of the trail may be temporarily closed," explains Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority Conservation Lands Coordinator Robert Gerritsen. "Extensive trail surface improvements are planned so everyone is asked to pay attention to local warning signs."

The Cataraqui Trail Management Board and the Lennox and Addington Snowmobile Club are investing $36,000 and $22,000 respectively in these improvements, says Mr. Gerritsen. Fifty percent of the funding comes from the National Trails Council and the rest has been raised in the area.

The National Trails Coalition (NTC)is the operating name for the Coalition of Canadian Trails Organizations. The NTC was formed in 2007 to bring the broad spectrum of trail-based activities together in a collaborative manner to build, maintain and promote trails and trail use across Canada.

"The 50 percent funding from the NTC will be used for trail improvements in the Camden East and Sydenham areas," adds Jim Hase, speaking for the Cataraqui Trail Management Board. "The work involves the placement of a stone surface on the trail; this provides a smooth traveling surface for trail users such as walkers, runners and cyclists."

The improvements will be made for the 12.4 km stretch from Hogan Road to the Boyce Island east bridge on the north shore of Sydenham Lake and for the 3.2 km stretch from Curl Road westwards to Camden East, adds Mr. Hase.

Media contact for more information:

Robert Gerritsen - Conservation Lands Coordinator, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority
(613) 546-4228 ext. 234
Toll-free: 1-877-956-CRCA (2722) ext. 234