The Region of Peel, City of Brampton, Town of Caledon and City of Mississauga have finalized the acquisition of approximately 51-kilometres of the former Orangeville Brampton Railway corridor which run from the Caledon-Orangeville boundary to just north of Streetsville, to turn it into a public trail system.
The lands were purchased at a cost of $5.8 million, funded from the Region’s Greenlands Securement Program, and have largely been transferred to the local municipalities, who will manage the multi-year process of developing the future of the lands, from design to construction and ongoing maintenance.
“The purchase of the corridor demonstrates the value Regional municipalities can bring to unite communities and facilitate connections. As a result of this partnership, these lands will help connect our Regional community, and support growth in a sustainable and responsible way,” said Peel Regional chair Nando Iannicca.
The acquisition is an excellent example of partnership between the Region and local municipalities, which will benefit the health and wellness of the community, support local business and become a significant regional tourism asset. It also provides a protected corridor for future utility needs.
“The Town of Orangeville knows this valuable piece of infrastructure will be in good hands with our Region of Peel partners. Many thanks to the municipal staff, advisors and Councillors who were involved in this process. We need to call upon our provincial and federal governments to help us turn this asset into a world class tourism asset,” said Orangeville Mayor Sandy Brown.
In addition, the lands offer the opportunity to secure a strategic north-south connection of the Trans Canada Trail System.
“I applaud the Region of Peel for being the catalyst in bringing this deal together and my sincere gratitude to our municipal partners for buying into the vision the City of Brampton brought forward five years ago. As we expand and enhance our active transportation networks, we are making a difference in the lives of residents and setting the stage for healthier, happier and more harmonious communities of the future,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.
Featured image: (Region of Peel)
