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Maps Updated!

Friendship Trail will open this month: CAO

Joel Hoidas

Saturday, October 01, 2005 - 09:00 Fort Erie Times

Local News - Phase 3 of the Friendship Trail is behind schedule, but it will be opened to the public later in October, the Town’s chief administrative officer said Monday.

Harry Schlange was responding to concerns brought up by Coun. Richard Berry at Town council’s Sept. 19 meeting.

Berry complained the asphalt trail was already cracked in some areas and the adjacent horse path was under water because of improper drainage.

“My opinion is that this trail is going to have to be torn right up and done over again,” Berry said. “It’s just a crime that something went on like this. This council, they were warned, they let it happen.”

Schlange acknowledged 51 metres of Phase 3 - about 1.1 per cent - was cracked.

He said asphalt deficiencies and drainage issues will be addressed by the contractor, Stevensville Lawn Service Inc., before responsibility is handed over to the Town.

Schlange said Phase 3, which connects the trail at Gorham Road to Port Colborne at Holloway Bay Road, was expected to be opened in July, but a late start on construction and additional tree removal and ditching improvements have slowed the process.

He pointed out that the trail is still under construction and the public should not be using it, adding the Town will accept responsibility and open the trail for public use at 97 per cent completion.

Schlange assured council Phase 3 will be opened in October.