Kincardine to Inverhuron Provincial Park (KIPP) Trail officially opened

Brad Kirkconnell, chairman of the Kincardine Trails Association, held up a sign indicating that the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail ended five kilometres north of the Kincardine hospital, along Bruce County Road 23 (B-line).

“The operators of that trail deemed the last five kilometres unsafe for cycling,” he said. “Well, not anymore.” And he tossed the sign over his shoulder.

Kirkconnell was one of several dignitaries who spoke at the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of the Kincardine to Inverhuron Provincial Park (KIPP) Trail, Thursday morning. The paved trail connects the Town of Kincardine to the park, and runs west of the county road.

Norm Gauthier, executive member of the trails association, was MC and welcomed everyone to this “momentous” event, noting that it was somewhat appropriate to have such a beautiful sunny morning to open this multi-use path.

He introduced trail committee members Brad Kirkconnell, Blayne Shewfelt, Bill McTavish, Al Jamieson, Karl Mika and Bob Hogan. Also on the committee, are Terry Reid and Mel Wilken.

The Kincardine Trails Association was formed in 2001 as a volunteer organization and is a committee of Kincardine council, said Gauthier.

“We currently have 25-30 volunteers involved in the development and maintenance of about 30 kilometres of multi-use trails in the community,” he said.

“This includes grass-cutting, tree-trimming, construction of permanent bridges and walkways, installation and removal of temporary bridges, installation and updating of trail signage, performing monthly and yearly trail inspections, organizing and helping out with special events, and removal of downed trees which kept us quite busy this week after the high winds on the weekend.”

He said that about 12 years ago, the association envisioned expanding the trails system from Kincardine to Inverhuron Provincial Park.

“With the support of the Municipality of Kincardine, the County of Bruce, the municipal public works staff and parks and recreation staff, plus the many generous public and private donors, this vision has come to fruition.

“This project has effectively added 12 kilometres to the Kincardine trails system. The KIPP Trail now connects Kincardine to Inverhuron and the north municipal boundaries where it joins the 78-kilometre Bruce Rail Trail north to Saugeen Shores.

“As volunteers, we do not seek public accolades, but as we are out working on the trails, we are often thanked by many users who pass by us. It is extremely rewarding to see the trails being utilized so extensively by many in the community.

“From moms and dads out walking or biking with their children, to grandparents with their grandchildren. Also, seniors, joggers and bicycle riders. In the winter months, snowshoers and cross-country skiers are out enjoying the fresh clean air and scenic views, leading to enhanced user health wellness and lifestyle.

“On behalf of the Kincardine trails committee, our heartfelt thanks to everyone for your support.”

Kincardine councillor Bill Stewart said this was a great moment for the municipality after 10 years of hard work on this project. “The community donated a lot of money toward this trail so, thank you for your support. I live in Inverhuron and I can bike to Tim Hortons now.”

Kincardine councillor Doug Kennedy brought greetings on behalf of the mayor and council. “Congratulations to Brad (Kirkconnell) and his team. They had a vision for this trail and have worked hard to bring it to fruition. Thank you for your dedication and for keeping the trails clean for everyone to use.”

Kincardine mayor-elect Kenneth Craig said he remembers being on council 20 years ago when Kirkconnell brought forward the idea of starting to build trails in Kincardine. “He persevered and now, here’s the gold standard of volunteerism and participation in the community. We are the beneficiaries of a lot of vision and hard work.”

Kirkconnell said the KIPP Trail is the result of a lot of collaboration – with Bruce County, with the Society of United Professionals (formerly the Society of Energy Professionals), with all levels of government, and with individual donors. The KIPP Trail offers a safe, active transportation route alongside the county road and the lower road and pathways to Inverhuron, at the same time connecting all three wards in the municipality.

“The Kincardine Trails Association will continue to work on trail maintenance and development,” said Kirkconnell. “Now, go take a hike, bring a bike or whatever you like. Enjoy the new KIPP Trail.”

Kali Gayler, a frequent user of the trails with her parents and her dogs, Chase and Harley, unveiled the donor board. Plaques were presented to corporate sponsors: Bruce Power, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Society of United Professionals, Greenfield Global, Municipality of Kincardine and Bruce County; and to the master trail sponsors: Kincardine Home Hardware, Pat Beaton (in memory of Walter and Hilda Love) and Alex Lloy and Rosemary Superville.

The ribbon-cutting was done by Siennah Pye, 14, a Kincardine trails donor over the years, auctioning off her artwork to raise money for the trails.