18 October, 2024

Working to Bridge the Gap on the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail

A scenic path through the Goderich Rail Trail, lined with colorful yellow and orange leaves during autumn. Un sentier pittoresque à travers le Goderich Rail Trail, bordé de feuilles jaunes et oranges colorées en automne.

Running 132 kilometres from Goderich to Guelph, Ontario, the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail (G2G) is a popular hiking, walking and cycling destination in Southern Ontario that connects Lake Huron to 13 communities. It also serves as a jumping-off point for several off-shoot trails in neighbouring areas. The G2G, part of the Trans Canada Trail system, is nearly complete as an off-road trail. Hiking and cycling groups, plus avid trail users in the Guelph area, are working to #BridgetheGap, rerouting a current 2.7-kilometre on-road detour of the trail onto a greenway area that runs alongside the railway with the ultimate goal of connecting it to the city of Guelph trail system.  

Improving hiking trails and cycling routes for all users 

G2G trail map, providing essential navigation information for travelers. Carte du sentier G2G, fournissant des informations de navigation essentielles aux voyageurs.

Several improvements have been made to this Trail section over the years, including to a section within the City of Guelph in 2011, with funding from Trans Canada Trail. Since first brought to the city in 2011, progress has been slow in bridging the gap in Guelph. For many avid trail users, including Cyndy McLean, the trail would be completed so she can enjoy it comfortably and safely. 

“I am paralyzed as a result of a spinal cord injury and am a handcycle user.  In 2020, in the thick of the pandemic, along with my partner and some friends, we set out on the G2G for some much-needed nature time,” she recounts. She found that the on-road section was dangerous, frightening and difficult to navigate, with some parts following a one-lane roadway, with no bike lanes and traffic passing by too quickly for comfort. She contacted G2G-Guelph TAC to discuss her concerns, and since then, has become involved in the #BridgeTheGap campaign. 

Rallying support from the community – and creating a nimbler process – by pivoting to a community-led, city-supported project 

In an effort to speed up the trail improvement process, and in recognition of the city of Guelph’s competing demands, the trail group proposed that they pivot to a community-led, city-supported process. By taking the lead on the project, they hope to facilitate a nimbler process, in which they assist the city with several elements. The TAC kicked off the project with a workshop in January 2024, at which the executive director of the G2G and then president and CEO of Trans Canada Trail, Eleanor McMahon, were in attendance. A land survey and planning study got underway in June 2024, thanks to funding from Trans Canada Trail’s Greenway Development Stream. This funding stream supports planning and construction projects along the Trail that increase and improve active transportation within the trail system. 

“The land surveying and the determination of route options are the critical next steps to planning and moving this project forward,” says Cyndy. The results from the survey were presented back to the TAC, which confirmed that there is sufficient space for the trail upgrade. The next step is the completion of an engineered trail design. The TAC is working with stakeholders, land owners, Hydro One, Guelph Junction Railway and the city to ensure that all parties are on board and ready to proceed.  

An inspiring show of dedication from trail users and volunteers 

A cyclist traverses a bridge over a lush forest along the Goderich Rail Trail, enjoying the scenic view. Un cycliste traverse un pont au-dessus d'une forêt luxuriante le long du Goderich Rail Trail, profitant de la vue panoramique.

The pivot to a community-led, city-supported project is not without its demands on trail group members and volunteers from the G2G-Guelph TAC, the Guelph Hiking Club, Guelph Cycling Club and local citizens who have gotten involved in the project. This pivot, and the extensive awareness campaign and planning process that accompanies it, demonstrates the groups’ and local citizens’ commitment to improving trails in their area – not only for themselves, but for everybody who lives in the area or visits the trail.  

The G2G-Guelph TAC plans to complete the off-road trail section via four subsections, each with its own specific needs and challenges. They hope to complete all four sections within the next year.   

Learn more about G2G and #BridgeTheGap campaign here. To get involved, please contact info@g2grailtrail.com. 

We were saddened to learn of John Fisher’s passing in the summer of 2024. John was a longtime member of the G2G Rail Trail group, including working over several years with us here at Trans Canada Trail. The G2G group is committed to seeing his vision of bridging the gap completed, and to continuing his important work.