Haldimand County residents encouraged to review proposed trail routes, classifications as part of Trails Master Plan update

In 2025, Haldimand County set out to update its Trails Master Plan. After extensive research and community consultation, consultants have identified opportunities to develop new trails, connect existing routes, and enhance the overall network. Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposed routes and share feedback by attending the Community Open House on January 28 or completing a brief survey – launching the week of January 12.

With a focus on off-road and multi-use trails, the Trails Master Plan provides a long-term outlook and framework for creating a dynamic, integrated trail system. It guides how trails are planned, designed, constructed and maintained – considering the current state of trails in Haldimand and what the future could look like with new trail connections, programs and partnerships.

The plan also introduces proposed maintenance standards and classifications to ensure recreational routes across the county remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users.

Resident engagement opportunities

Feedback received during the first round of consultation in Summer 2025 was carefully assessed and built in to the proposed Plan. Residents are now encouraged to review the conceptual trail routes and share input by attending the January 28, 2026 Community Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Haldimand County Administration Building lobby (53 Thorburn St. S, Cayuga). The Open House will be highly interactive and family-friendly (with colouring stations set up for kids).

Residents will be able to view the proposed routes at https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/trailsupdate and submit comments by taking a short online survey starting the week of January 12.

Outcomes & next steps

Following the Community Open House, resident feedback will be compiled and considered by consultants when developing the final Plan. It is expected that the final Trails Master Plan will be brought forward to Council for review and adoption in late winter.

The Plan is not intended to be a commitment to construction but a blueprint to guide opportunities that could be constructed in the future. Once adopted, the Plan will be implemented through the typical municipal capital and operational planning processes, with opportunities to explore on a year-by-year basis, depending on annual budgets and capacity.

For more information about the Trails Master Plan, visit www.haldimadcounty.ca/trailsupdate.