For many residents, the East End Trail represents more than a path—it represents connection. It is where families walk together, where seniors stay active and independent, where children learn to ride their bikes, and where neighbours meet, greet, and feel part of a community. For years, the East End Trail has been envisioned as a safe, accessible space that brings Hanover together and completes a trail network residents have patiently waited for and supported.

The unexpected Council motion to eliminate the East End Trail came as a shock to many residents. After decades of planning, environmental review, public investment, and alignment with Town and County strategies, this project was finally ready to be built. Its sudden cancellation not only prevents the completion of an important community amenity—it undermines the time spent on long‑term plans and reduces public trust that thoughtfully developed projects will be carried through once approved.

This petition is about restoring a project that reflects Hanover’s values: health, inclusion, accessibility, and balanced growth. It is about choosing collaboration over cancellation and ensuring decisions reflect the needs of the entire community. 

Residents and supporters of the East End Trail Project respectfully request that Hanover Town Council rescind Resolution No. 63‑26, from March 16, 2026 which resolved:

“That the entire proposed east end trail from the existing community trail east to 24th Avenue be eliminated and that further negotiations occur with the developer to reallocate the developer’s trail contribution to the construction of sidewalks on 18th Street, 23rd Avenue, and 19th Avenue; and that a costing be provided for extending a sidewalk from 19th Street to 20th Street on 24th Avenue.”

This decision eliminates a long‑planned, fully approved community trail that residents across Hanover have supported and anticipated for many years.

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Background

At the March 16, 2026 Council meeting, the Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture and CAO were seeking Council direction on options to proceed with the East End Trail construction. At the same meeting a delegation of Hanover residents opposed to the construction of the trail presented their concerns.  The staff report presented to Council (Report PRC‑02‑26, East End Trails Extension Update) outlines more than two decades of planning—dating back to 1997—that positioned the Town to complete the East End Trail loop this fall. 

The East End Trail project directly achieves Goal 2 of the Town of Hanover Strategic Action Plan: Healthy & Welcoming Community. The project was designed, reviewed, approved, and ready to move forward as council approved project. 

Despite this, Council passed the above motion halting imminent construction and eliminating the trail which resulted in the Town forfeiting committed government funding, effectively setting the project back indefinitely.

Why Council’s Decision Is Concerning

Council identified sidewalks as an alternative use of the developer’s trail contribution. While sidewalks are valuable infrastructure, they do not serve the same function as a trail and are not an equivalent replacement. 

Key concerns include:

• Sidewalks and trails serve distinct purposes; sidewalks are located alongside vehicular traffic and are not designed for shared recreational and multi‑use travel. Trails provide a continuous, separated corridor that significantly reduces interactions with vehicles, improving safety for users of all ages and abilities, among many other benefits as outlined in the Ontario Trail Strategy. 
• There is no requirement for the subdivision developer to fund the construction of sidewalks, creating uncertainty around implementation. The provision of land and the construction of the trail were negotiated by the Town as part of the subdivision agreement prior to sub-division construction. 
• Planning Advisory Committee, Park, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee, trail supporters, and the broader community were not consulted prior to eliminating the project.
• The decision contradicts the Town's Strategic Plan and Grey County Cycling and Trails Master Plan, which promotes connected, off‑road trail networks for safety, accessibility, and recreation. 
• Assertions that trail infrastructure is for “walkers only” - ignores the reality that our other existing Community Trail sections are used by hikers, recreational walkers, runners, nervous or new cyclists (including children and seniors) and mobility assisted users (wheelchairs, scooters, strollers), snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.

Addressing the Concerns Raised

Opposition to the East End Trail raised three main issues: environmental impact, neighbourhood safety and privacy, and parking and traffic. These are reasonable topics for discussion and collaboration—but none justify eliminating the project entirely.

• Environmental concerns about the trail construction were addressed through an Environmental Impact Assessment for the project and approval permits were issued by the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority. In the spirit of collaboration there may be opportunities for additional community‑led initiatives to further enhance environmental sustainability and wetland resilience in adjacent areas and welcome the involvement of those residents in shaping and participating in these efforts.
• Safety, privacy, and trail‑use concerns can be effectively managed using existing Town tools, including continued police patrols, the Trails Eyes and Ears volunteers, signage, and by‑law enforcement—approaches already used successfully on Hanover’s current trail system. As it relates to properties backing onto the Town-owned land where the trail would be constructed, privacy plantings would be installed. 

• Parking and traffic concerns were a key reason the project included a new off‑road parking lot off County Road 28 (24th Ave). Removing this feature increases roadside parking risks rather than improving safety.

In Summary 

Re‑routing the trail entirely onto sidewalks has:

• No approved budget
• No defined timeline
• No design plan or funding source
• Prevents public use of more than 3 acres of land designated for public trail and parking use 
• Reduces accessibility, create conflict between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles
• Indefinitely delays delivery of community connectivity

We believe that existing Town policies, environmental approvals, and operational tools are sufficient to address the concerns raised. In conjunction with community collaboration and modest adjustments are far preferable to cancelling a project that has been responsibly planned and widely supported. 

Reinstating the East End Trial Project will:

• Complete a long‑planned loop in Hanover’s community trail system
• Provide accessible connections between neighbourhoods, the dog park, and soccer fields
• Include a safe, off‑road parking lot that minimizes traffic and roadside hazards
• Support tourism and affordable opportunities for physical activity, social connection, and well‑being
• Provide recreation and education opportunities in public green space, helping to foster appreciation for good environmental management

Accessible trails are not a luxury-they are essential infrastructure for health, mobility, and inclusion. Trails are the cornerstone of active transportation, community connection, environmental enjoyment and age‑friendly communities. Trails are a proven investment in safe, shared public space. 

The benefits of the East End Trail far outweigh the manageable challenges identified.

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Our Request

We respectfully ask Hanover Town Council to:

• Rescind the decision to eliminate the East End Trail Project
• Utilize existing Town governance, policies, and operational tools to address outstanding concerns

Hanover thrives when decisions reflect the needs of the whole community and respect long‑term planning.

Please add your voice and signature to support the East End Trail Project and help keep Hanover a connected, healthy, and accessible community for all.

You are also invited to support the upcoming delegation in favour of the East End Trail on May 4, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the Hanover Civic Centre.