Local Landowners Concerned About Trail Expansion Plans

Some landowners in southwestern Ontario are expressing their worries about a proposed project to expand a walking and cycling trail that aims to connect two nearby communities.

A transportation plan set to be discussed at the Municipality of Middlesex Centre council meeting on Wednesday suggests extending the Ilderton Rail Trail by an additional 5 km to reach north London.

This extension would require crossing into several private properties owned by local residents.

“The extension of this trail, while beneficial to some, poses significant challenges for landowners,” a letter addressed to council, signed by nearly 40 local residents, stated.

“Expropriating private land not only disrupts the lives of those who have invested their resources into their land, but it also undermines the sanctity of private property,” the letter added.

A map shows the proposed area of the Ilderton Rail Trail expansion, which would enter into north London. (Middlesex County)

The Rail Trail currently spans 3.4 km between Twelve Mile Road and Ten Mile Road in Ilderton and largely follows where old train tracks used to be in this rural area. The municipality sold off most of the rail corridor land to residents years ago.

However, this new plan suggests purchasing back some portions of that land from homeowners along the proposed expanded trail route.

Middlesex Centre Ward 1 Coun. Jean Coles, who represents Ilderton, says she’s been hearing from residents regarding their views on the proposal.

Middlesex Centre Ward 1 Coun. Jean Coles says walkers, runners, cyclists and other non-motorists currently use the Ilderton Rail Trail to get around the rural community. (Submitted by Jean Coles)

“I’m hearing both sides of the coin. I’m hearing the positive and the negative,” she said.

“People really do like to walk, run and all those things along our trail. They enjoy being outside. People appreciate living in our healthy community.. but there are also some legitimate concerns.”

Daily operation, safety concerns

Coles mentioned that most feedback has come from individuals involved in Ilderton’s agriculture sector who oppose the project-especially those who own farmland near where the new pathway is planned.

“If you’re a landowner and this is being proposed on your parcel of land, you don’t really want it cut up,” she explained. It could disrupt their work as farmers might need to drive around the trail just to access different parts of their fields, she added.

She noted that these landowners have raised worries about how this might impact future sales of their properties as well.

Some sections of the current Ilderton Rail Trail are paved while others remain dirt paths. (Submitted by Jean Coles)

The municipality’s transportation plan outlines various other concerns raised by landowners during a feedback process. Some expressed fears about trespassing, littering, thefts and potential homeless encampments appearing along the trail; however, it emphasized that there’s no solid evidence these issues will arise.

The report recommends ways to address possible concerns through signage, marked boundaries and working with police for better security measures.

Initial estimates place project costs at $3.23 million according to this plan which suggests it may take until 2038 for completion of this extension.

Proposal still flexible

Coles shared that she regularly walks her dog along the current rail trail which has both paved and dirt areas.</f

“Having a chance not needing a car for my trips would be wonderful; however, I don’t want changes affecting actively farmed fields,” she said. “Agriculture plays an important role in our community’s economy and supports many residents’ livelihoods.”</f

Coles encouraged local residents to attend Wednesday’s council meeting so they can voice their opinions since nothing is finalized yet.
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“It’s a long-term plan so we need everyone’s input before any development occurs here,” she noted.

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