Wildwood Rail Trail

These two pictures are taken from the same spot on Wildwood Road. The top picture shows the much loved Wildwood to John Street Rail Trail. Every time the issue of trails is raised the same question always pops up: why does the trail not connect to the wonderful Terra Cotta Trail?
When the council of the day decided to not acquire the rail lands from Wildwood road to Terra Cotta, they did so primarily because they didn't want the liability. Also the adjoining neighbours protested as they felt their properties would be vandalized and they would lose their privacy. Clearly not enough people came out on the other side of the argument, although many did.
As soon as the decision was made to sell off the rail lands to adjacent landowners, those owners took steps to stake their claim. As you can see in the lower picture, this property owner brought in fill to even out the grade in his back yard and then planted many trees that now completely disguise the route.

Another owner, on the 10th line has used the former railbed as his entrance laneway and has recently added stone gates. It looks lovely but also very permanent.

For those of us who appreciate trails for the wonderful recreational opportunities they provide, the decision of Town Council was one of the worst yet best remembered of all time. However, it would be very difficult to go back and change history. It would require either a series of easements to be negotiated or expropriation. Although some property owners may have had a change of heart, I expect the majority will still see a trail as an intrusion and threat.

My own experience has been that wooded areas with no formal public trails attract bush parties and destructive behaviour such, setting fires, vandalism and littering. Once trails are added to these same areas the problems decrease or disappear altogether. Furthermore, once trails are established in a neighbourhood, the trail is often advertised as a selling feature by realtors. It is really a classic case of fear of the unknown or simply fear of change.
I can't help wondering how much value would have been added to the house in the lower photo if there was a trail leading all the way from Georgetown to Terra Cotta, Inglewood, and over the awesome highway 10 pedestrian bridge to Palgrave. How much might the neighbourhood families have enjoyed such a tremendous recreational opportunity literally outside their doors?
This opportunity was lost but other opportunities exist. Fortunately the Hungry Hollow Trail is being developed and it is phenomenal. Check out the Trail Guide on the Town's website for other trails throughout Halton Hills.
As a member of the Town Trails Advisory Committee I am always interested in the public's opinion on our recent trail developments and encourage you to send a comment.