The Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail (G2G) Rail Trail Experience is a charitable organization that maintains and develops the trail. Its most recent capital project was to restore the Blyth Tunnel.
On Friday, September 6 the G2G Rail Trail Committee officially opened the Blyth Tunnel for trail users.
The G2G Rail Trail is a natural, historical, and culturally significant conservation corridor that supports community recreation and active transportation, promotes health and brings awareness to rural agriculture, heritage and the environment.
The Blyth Tunnel restoration project sought to improve the accessibility, safety, and sustainability while supporting various community and environmental initiatives along the trail.
According to Willow Hall, Executive Director, G2G Rail Trail Inc., projects are chosen based on several criteria. This includes community needs, trail maintenance and improvement requirements, safety concerns and potential for enhancing the trail’s usability and appeal.
In 1999, as rail traffic was no longer going through, the Blyth Tunnel, which once ran under Rd. 25 just west of Blyth, was backfilled following the decommissioning of the CP Rail Line.
This forced trail users to go up a steep slope and cross a busy road to get to the other side, according to the G2G Rail Trail committee.
The G2G Rail Trail employs various fundraising strategies to support its projects and ongoing maintenance. Common fundraising strategies include grants, hosting events, membership programs, corporate sponsorship, and donations.
The G2G Rail Trail runs 132 kilometres along the former CPR railway line, stretching from downtown Guelph to the waters of Lake Huron. The trail is overseen and maintained by volunteers and steward groups who are passionate trail enthusiasts.
Upgrades and efforts put into the trail are done by volunteers and made possible by generous donations.
To support the G2G Rail Trail projects individuals, organizations or businesses can donate directly, help raise awareness, volunteering, and corporate sponsorship.
If interested in supporting the G2G Rail Trail, or to learn about upcoming projects that need support, visit www.g2grailtrail.com or email donate@g2grailtrail.com
Goderich Sun did not receive a response in time for publication from the G2G Rail Trail committee.
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