A Small Town with Big Dreams for Active Transportation in Eastern Ontario
The Town of Perth is a small municipality in Lanark County with about 6,500 residents, projected to grow to 10,500 by 2038. This growth will strain the existing transportation network if alternatives to driving are not expanded. In response, the Perth Strategic Plan 2023–2027 called for a comprehensive Active Transportation Plan (ATP) to guide long-term investments in infrastructure, programs, and policies, integrated with land use planning.
Mike Carrier, Active Transportation and Environmental Planner, Parsons Inc.
Trails as Transport in Regional Communities
Using case studies from the Regional Cycling Strategies, this presentation explores the role of regional trails as transport corridors as well as tourism and recreational assets.
Andrew McClurg, Planning and Technical Coordinator, Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure
Nature, Harmony, Diversity, Innovation: Practice of Shenzhen Trail Development in Country Parks
This speech shares Shenzhen’s practice in constructing trails within a high-density city. It outlines strategies across ecology, structure, systems, and culture—highlighting the Kunpeng Path and sustainable “hand-built trails”—to demonstrate a model of harmonious human-nature coexistence.
Shulian Yu, Chief Engineer, Shenzhen Park Service
More Than a Trail: Connecting Cities, Towns, and People
This presentation explores the role of the Cities & Towns Task Team in positioning trails as essential infrastructure in the places where people live. It highlights how trails go beyond recreation to serve as transportation corridors, improve public health, support ecosystems, and foster more connected, equitable communities. The session focuses on identifying a model for closing gaps and strengthening connectivity within and between urban areas through active transportation networks. It emphasizes the importance of alignment across all levels of government, alongside the critical role of community-led initiatives.
A featured case study of the Guelph to Goderich Trail will demonstrate how multiple levels of community and government can work together to advance a connected city and town approach, showcasing collaboration in action.
Brenden Blotnicky, Manager Network Development and Support, Trans Canada Trail
