A boardwalk helps hikers avoid wet spots in the trail network.
Cavan Monaghan establishes a number of advisory committees which provide research, expertise and recommendations to support Council in decisions related to the committee’s area of responsibility.
Committees are established at the beginning of each term of Council and consist of at least one Council representative as well as members of the public who volunteer for these roles. Residents apply for positions on committees and members are appointed by Council in closed sessions. Township staff also sit on these committees as non-voting members, providing information and acting as committee secretary. Members are appointed for the duration of the term of Council, with unexpected vacancies filled as required. Like regular Council meetings, all committee meetings are open to the public, are livestreamed and recorded.
During this term of Council there are seven advisory committees including Accessibility, Sustainability, Cavan Monaghan Libraries, Millbrook Valley Trails, Municipal Revitalization and Heritage, the Business Improvement Area and a Committee of Adjustment. Over the nextfew months the role of these committees and how they shape municipal decisions will be explored, starting with the Millbrook Valley Trails Committee.
The Millbrook Valley Trails are overseen by the municipality through the Millbrook Valley Trails Advisory Committee, which plays a central role in the development and operation of the trail system by providing direction, technical advice, volunteer labour, trail monitoring and planning work. These trails are owned by the municipality and maintained by the Parks and Facilities department in conjunction with the advisory committee. These walking trails begin at Medd’s Mountain Conservation area beside the Millbrook Dam and loop around Millbrook through the Oak Ridges Morraine. Councilor Lance Nachoff and Parks and Facilities Manager Chris Allison are members of this committee, along with a representative from the Otonabee Conservation Authority and seven volunteers from the municipality.
Specific responsibilities of this committee include providing advice regarding the design, development, delivery and maintenance of trail policies, programs and facilities; promoting and enhancing this integrated, non-motorized trail network; encouraging legislation and policy changes that support trails; supporting, managing and maintaining the trail network; and working to enhance natural heritage features within the Millbrook Valley corridor. Committee activity is funded through the annual budget process.
In addition to participating in monthly meetings, committee members actively participate in trail maintenance and construction initiatives on the trail system. They must be relatively familiar with applicable legislation and occasionally conduct research to explore opportunities and constraints related to municipal trail systems. Meetings are led by a Board Chair who is selected by committee members, sets the meeting agendas and manages the meetings.
n addition to running the annual work day, there are a number of ongoing projects the committee is currently addressing. Among them are the review of the new Parks and Recreation Master Plan to see how it aligns with the existing Trail Master Plan, working on a trail expansion to connect a new subdivision to the existing trail system, investigating the development of GIS trail mapping, exploring the possible expansion of the Ganny Transit line to connect it to the Ganaraska Regional Conservation Authority trail system, exploring a possible alternative trail entrance at the Fairgrounds, and exploring ways to manage invasive species along the trails.
The Millbrook Valley Trail system is one of the defining features of the municipality, offering a beautiful and tranquil network of walking trails enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. It was made possible by the efforts of community volunteers who launched the initiative to create this trail system in 1998. It now includes eight sections totaling thirteen kilometers winding through valleys, forests, wetlands and meadows and offers unique perspectives on the beauty of our region. The community demonstrates its appreciation through the volunteer efforts of committee members and from those who provide some elbow grease each spring at the annual trail cleanup day.