Cyclists and walkers have a new place to relax when they use the Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail near Alfred.
On Tuesday, April 30, Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Stéphane Sarrazin officially opened the new trail pavilion, located where County Road 15 crosses the trail.
The new pavilion was made possible in part thanks to a $150,000 capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail also received an additional $54,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the OTF to develop a new partnership plan.
“The infusion of Ontario Trillium Foundation funding enables us to enhance our service to trail communities, extending a warm welcome to both locals and tourists at our Alfred Pavilion, ensuring their Trail experience is both safe and comfortable. The Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail, nestled within our riding, is a cherished asset indeed,” said Sarrazin.
The $150,000 capital grant, which was awarded in November 2022, allowed for the construction of the new pavilion and matches five others along the 72-kilometre trail, which include a gazebo, bulletin board, and outhouse.
In March 2023, the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail was also awarded a $54,200 Resilient Communities fund grant which allowed for the development of an extensive partnership plan and to implement new digital marketing and communications strategies. Thanks to their first ever partnership plan, the trail is now ready to take on more partners and is looking forward to connecting with individuals and organizations in the communities it serves in the upcoming months.
“We’re very grateful for the OTF funding so we can better serve the communities along the trail,” Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail Executive Director Eric Collard.
The Adopt a Kilometre program covers most of the trail’s 72 kilometres from the Ottawa city limits to St-Eugène, the six pavilions along the trail, as well as the trail naming rights. Following the successful launch of new community programs and events in 2023, the trail leadership is eager to bring even more local tourism attractions to the region in 2024.
