By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press

Essex County Council received the annual County-Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS) update for information, which included highlighting achievements and ongoing work to expand and strengthen the active transportation connective network for walking and cycling.

The vision is to promote healthier and more connected communities and active lifestyles, while supporting tourism and economic development, Sumer Yalda-Johnston, Transportation Planning Coordinator, explained during the May 20 meeting.

The 2012 CWATS Master Plan remains the framework for the work, which established a 20-year vision for clear policy direction, infrastructure design standards, and a cost-sharing model between the County and its municipal partners. The 2023 update introduces new priorities around equity, sustainability, and tourism.

To date, 605.3KM of CWATS routes have been completed, including cycle tracks, bike lanes, multi-use trails, multi-use paths, paved shoulders, and signed bike routes throughout the County. Much of that has been delivered through the County’s paved shoulder or infrastructure programs. It also includes greenways, owned and maintained by the Essex Region Conservation Authority.

“Overall, this program reflects consistent investment and strong collaboration over the past decade,” Yalda-Johnston said.

She added CWATS is a municipality-led process. Each year, the local municipal partners submit applications based on their budgets and priorities. They are reviewed by the CWATS Committee, which votes on which projects will be approved. The Master Plan provides guidance on facility types, including design engineering and best practices.

Projects are prioritized that close gaps in the system or continue segments within the network, Yalda-Johnston added.

The 2025 program delivered around 12KM of new or repaired paved shoulders across all seven local municipalities.

For 2026, County Council approved around $1.9M in funding for CWATS infrastructure projects. There is a plan for16KM of paved shoulders this year for $2.8M.

Total CWATS program budget – including infrastructure and education encouragement – for 2026 is $4.9M, of which around $2.1M is funded through the levy, with the rest supported through the Roadway Expansion Reserve.

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy pointed out that there is a small section at County Road 41 and County Road 50 where the paved shoulder is not complete. She hoped it would be in 2027. She said it is the only little section on the waterfront trail that has not been completed. The speed limit was reduced in that area recently, which Bondy was grateful for.

Now that the County’s Asset Management Plan has been completed, staff members are looking to see what options are available for that segment. It is, unfortunately, not an easy segment to complete, as there are mature trees, right-of- way constraints, ditches and drains, and utilities that would have to be relocated. Yalda-Johnston said they are trying to figure out a solution.

Amherstburg Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb asked about the ERCA greenways and if anything will change for them with the Province’s move to amalgamate conservation authorities. Yalda-Johnston said they are discussing that internally and will be with ERCA, as well. If there is a need to come back to County Council, they are happy to do so.

The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) has reached out, in addition to other agencies, to seek information about joint assets, CAO Sandra Zwiers added. The Province is well aware that these situations exist. As soon as there is more clarity, they will inform Council.