Public Open Houses Planned for Proposed CASO Greenway Project

Essex region – June is recognized as Trails Month, and the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) will kick off community consultation for the proposed CASO Greenway Trail project. In December 2022, following years of negotiations, the former Canada Southern Railway (CASO) section that stretches 47 kilometres from Tilbury through Essex County was successfully protected for public use, thanks to a partnership between ERCA, the County of Essex, Town of Tecumseh, Town of Essex and Municipality of Lakeshore, and with generous funding support from Environment and Climate Change Canada. The former CASO Rail Line ceased operations approximately 15 years ago.    

ERCA is now actively working on plans to convert this property into a multi-use trail for the benefit of all regional residents and beyond. In Canada, trails are more important than ever to our way of life and well-being. In fact, 75% of Canadians report using trails for exercise and leisure time. Trails are also important to the rural economy and can act as a driver for tourism. ERCA first opened the Chrysler Canada Greenway in the year 2000, and the Cypher Systems Group Greenway in 2017. Studies by Hike Ontario identify that property values have been shown to increase in proximity to trails as communities recognize them as safe places to be active, healthy and community oriented.

ERCA will be hosting three public open houses this month to provide opportunities for interested parties to provide input and learn additional information. These Open Houses will take place on the following dates, and all are welcome:

1. Monday, June 16, 6:00pm – 7:30pm: Essex Centre Sports Complex (60 Fairview Ave W, Essex, ON N8M 1X4)

2. Tuesday, June 17, 6:00pm – 7:30pm: Libro Community Centre (1925 S Middle Rd, South Woodslee, ON N0R 1V0)

3. Monday, June 23, 6:00pm – 7:30pm: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 241 (6420 Main St, Comber, ON N0P 1J0)

   
   

As well, an online survey has been launched to gather public input, and can be found here until June 30, 2025: www.essexregionconservation.ca/CASOSurvey .

The feedback will be analyzed and reported back to the ERCA Board of Directors in fall 2025.

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario and governed by local municipalities. For more than 50 years, it has provided the organization and delivery of programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario.