Trails or Rails?

The railway corridor is a key element in our community.  We at Chelsea Trails have seen what a popular recreational asset it can be for our community through the ski trail grooming initiative launched several years ago.  And as the Active Transport Plan Master is being developed by the Municipality of Chelsea, with the support and input of Sentiers Chelsea Trails, the railway corridor is certainly being examined as a key potential structural element  of  an active transport corridor for the community.

Sentiers Chelsea Trails is not opposed to the tourist train project, but is aware that the rail corridor has now languished for three years without maintenance and should be put to the service of the community without further undue delay.  SCT Board member Alain Piche outlined our position in an article published in the LowDown on May 21, 2014

The conversion of the railway corridor into a community trail would bring changes to the community and is causing debate.  For the consideration of Chelsea residents on this issue, we will assemble some of the key information and comparative sources relevant to the discussion of conversion of the Chelsea railway corridor. 

A petition, recently created by a Chelsea resident, Tammy Scott has contributed to the debate around the future of the rail corridor. Comments made on the petition by residents of Chelsea  and the region are illustrative of public opinion .

 

Celebrate National Trails Day with Sentiers Chelsea Trails, 7 June, 1-3:30 pm.


Join us for an ecological and historical exploration of the Pioneer Cemetery and the Hydro Quebec Lands in Chelsea with biologist Carolyn Callaghan on June 7. Meet in front of the Meredith Centre (to the left, by the rocks). Please park in the soccer parking lot and not at the Meredith Centre.
Please consult our website for rain date information (http://sentierschelseatrails.wordpress.com/).

Thank you to Volunteers for the Trail Building Sessions South of Chelsea Park, May 4 & 11, 2014

A big thank you to the volunteers who helped clear most of the two trails planned for the southern sector of Chelsea Park.  Only a few small sections remain.  Presently we are taking a break for more planning and discussions with private landowners.  If all goes well, we should be able to put the finishing touches on the two trails starting the end of September to early November, 2014.  We’ll keep you informed.ImageImageImageImage

Anyone wanting to join our trail crew in the fall, please contact Marc Desjardins at [email protected]

Public consultation for Master Plans Feedback Deadline Extended to Friday, April 25, 2014

The Municipality has extended the deadline until Friday, April 25, for feedback regarding the public consultations on the 2 Plans:

– the Parks and Green Areas Master Plan

– the Active Transport Master Plan

How to learn about the 2 master plans:

  1. You can read the consultant’s (Plania) plan by going to chelsea.ca –> scroll down to “Apr07” then click on next 3 pages to get to April 07 event;  click on the link in the text to access the plans.
  2. Join us at our AGM next Wednesday, 7 May, 7pm at Farm Point Community Centre when we will be reviewing and discussing the two proposed master plans.

You can provide feedback by:

1. Printing off forms – but it’s 36 pages;

2. Picking up forms from Municipality offices;

3.  New option:  email your comments to Sophie Hubert at   [email protected].

Deadline is Friday, April 25

Main issues include: (Prioritize or comments)

– importance of trails – to develop a network of “nature paths” linking neighbourhoods to each other and schools, Centre Village, Gatineau River and Gatineau Park;

– bike lanes: designated cycling lanes;

– multi-use pathways;

– converting the railway into a community trail (in the event the train does not run);

– bike lanes on de la Montagne, Old Chelsea Road and chemin de la Mine

– importance of parks as meeting and socializing places (includes smaller, neighbourhood parks & Meredith, St. Stephen’s & Hollow Glen)

– access to Gatineau River; and access to Beamish Lake in Hollow Glen.

Join us at our Annual General Meeting of Chelsea Trails, Farm Point Community Centre, Wednesday, 7 May, 2014

The future of trails in Chelsea,

It’s more than just a walk in the Park

Our community has a great chance to preserve and develop a green network of non-motorized trails linking neighbourhoods and meeting places throughout the municipality.  To find out more about your organization dedicated to the trail network, look at our site and join us for our Annual General Meeting where preliminary results of Chelsea’s Active Transportation Plan will be unveiled.                                       http://sentierschelseatrails.wordpress.com/

The time is now.

At Farm Point Community Centre