Written By Jan Sims
ILDERTON - Should Middlesex Centre back the potential expansion of a recreational rail trail that runs through the Ilderton area? That was the question that drew some strong opinions when the question came up for discussion at the November 19th council meeting.
The issue was raised following concerns from a developer about dedicating a portion of land to support the trail. Council voted in favour of a staff report that looked at the bigger picture. It recommended a clause in development agreements that gives Middlesex Centre a 20-year option to acquire land to enhance the rail trail at no cost to the municipality.
“This would be an extension of the existing rail trail through Ilderton from 10-mile Rd south to the city of London. It would largely follow the old rail bed of the old rail line that went north,” Transportation Manager Andrew Giesen told council.
Ward 1 Councillor, Jean Coles, is a regular user of the trail. “People want to be active, they want to be out. It gives another way to get places,” said Coles.
“From a farmer’s standpoint, it’s just a nightmare,” countered Ward 3 Councillor High Aerts. He expressed several concerns for farmers whose land might back onto a rail trail. This includes dust that could be kicked up from farm equipment in the field, as well as potential problems when crops are being sprayed. Aerts also raised the issue of legal liability. “As a farmer, I don’t want a trail going through my farm. I’ll get sued because they go off the trail and fall down,” said Aerts. “How would you and your neighbours like it if all of a sudden we decided we’re putting a walking path right through the middle of your backyard?,” added Aerts.
Ward 2 councillor Wayne Shipley expressed similar concerns. “I think our liability is going to go out of control on this. I don’t want to start going down a road where we end up in court over the whole thing.” Shipley also raised the potential for vandalism.
However, council was assured attempts would be made by the municipality to accommodate jogs in the trail. “We would definitely look to move around obstacles to make sure it’s functional and that it makes sense,” Giesen told council.
