The Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail wants public funding equal to one dollar for every resident of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR). However, UCPR Council wants more information before it makes a decision.
In 2022, management of the 72-kilometre, multi-use recreation path, which extends from the Ottawa city limit to near St-Eugène, was transferred by the UCPR to an arms-length corporation. On Wednesday, August 24, Trail Executive Director Eric Collard appeared before UCPR Council to request additional funding as the corporation and regional government prepare to negotiate a new agreement.
Collard said the trail corporation has diversified its revenue through gaining corporate sponsorship. He emphasized the role plays for local tourism and events. It serves as an arterial snowmobile trail in winter, something Collard said is worth $12 million alone to the local economy.
“Our trail is the spine, the main highway for the snowmobile season.”
From spring to fall, the trail is used by hikers and cyclists.
Collard said a lot of work was and still is needed on the trail corridor. Much of the infrastructure is from when it was a former CP rail line. Collard said the trail receives $50,000 in funding each year from the UCPR, but that has been increased by four or five times through sponsorships. Collard said the trail corporation would now like the UCPR to provide an additional $60,000 in funding, raising the contribution to $110,000 each year, which is roughly equal to one dollar per UCPR resident.
“That money goes back to the community in multiple ways,” Collard said, highlighting the benefits of the trail to physical fitness, and mental health, and economic activity for the local population.
Uncertainty about the proposed route for the Alto project has also led to concerns about the future of the trail.
“Alto has provided a lot of preoccupations for us,” Collard remarked. He said they are receiving many inquiries about Alto’s potential detriment to the trail.
Collard noted that extreme weather, including the 2022 derecho storm, a tornado, and drought have affected trail quality and conditions.
Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel said it is a difficult situation in an election year with a request for an additional $60,000 in trail funding. He noted more information about Alto’s plan is supposed to be available in October or November.
Russell Township Mayor Mike Tarnowski agreed the trail is important and suggested it should be addressed during the UCPR’s 2027 budget preparation process. He wants a better understanding of the infrastructure gap requiring attention on the trail to share with the public, so they understand why additional funding is being requested. Tarnowski also requested additional information about the economic impact of trail.
Collard said those are very valid questions and said the trail corporation is looking at short to medium term needs and wants a further calculated report on the trail but obtaining that would also cost money.
Warden Mario Zanth agreed that the trail is important but noted there are big challenges with meeting asset management needs greater than what the funding may cover. Zanth said he wants to know the trail’s precise plan to demonstrate the need for the funding because everyone requests funds, and everyone pays taxes. The Warden said his request does not mean he is opposed to the idea.
“I’m not against, but I’d like to have more of a plan.”
A resolution was adopted by council to consider increased Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail Funding during the 2027 budget process.
