MILLENNIUM TRAIL:
SECTION 5 NIAGARA FALLS

The construction of Section 5 of the Millennium Trail will serve to connect the Millennium Trail system creating a single, connected multi-use recreational trail from Whirpool Road (Section 3) to McLeod Road (Section 1).  Future expansion could see a section constructed to connect the Whirpool Road terminus to the Niagara River Recreational Trail, which runs the length of the Niagara River Parkway from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie and connects with other trails throughout the Niagara Region.  Future plans also propose an expansion from the current south terminus at McLeod Road to the Welland River (Chippawa Creek).  The Millennium Trail system, more so than any other existing City trail, has the greatest opportunity to connect multiple interest points and cross several major roadways, allowing for safer travel for all trail users.  This project, once fully connected, could serve as a stepping stone to utilize similar corridors to provide high-quality, separate trails free from the hazards of busy roadways.

Section 5 will run from the north terminus of Section 6 (Canada 150 Pathway) on Royal Manor Drive.  The route will utilize improved sidewalk connections from that point and cross Highway 420 utilizing the west side of the Dorchester Road overpass.  The right turn ramp from Highway 420 westbound to Dorchester Road southbound will be removed to create a new crosswalk at the intersection of Dorchester Road and the Highway 420/Queen Eliziabeth Way ramps on the north side of the overpass.  Vehicles will be required to complete a right turn at the 3-way intersection to allow for safer interactions between trail users and vehicles. 

Section 5 will continue as a trail from the east side of Dorchester Road and for its entire route until it meets Drummond Road.  There will be connections between Section 5 and the existing sidewalk-cycle path between Dorchester Road and Bellevue Street.  There will also be connections from Section 5 to Carolyn Park, to both the existing sidewalk on the east side of the park and the newly constructed pathways at the new play structure.

When Section 5 reaches Drummond Road, it will continue on improved sidewalks on the west side of Drummond Road and cross Drummond Road at the intersection with Morrison Street.  From the northeast side of this intersection, the improved sidewalk will continue along the north side of Morrison Street, closely following existing sidewalk right-of-way, until it reaches Portage Road.  Using a crosswalk, trail users will cross to the east side of the Portage Road/Morrison Street intersection and will then follow Portage Road north for a short distance.  At this point, trail users will utilize the parking lot of Section 4 (Pasiley Janvary-Pool Pathway) to continue on the Millennium Trail system.

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For the majority of its route behind residential properties, Section 5 will run parallel to, and immediately against, the new OPG barb-wire fence (the fence with the 'Danger' signs).  This will mean the trail will be as far as possible from residential property lines given the limited right-of-way.

Once completed, approximately 7.3 km of near-seamless recreation trail will connect the City.  This trail system will connect Thorold Stone, Lundy’s Lane and McLeod Road in a pedestrian and cyclist friendly environment free from roadway hazards and vehicles.

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For more information, visit the City's website on this Project at https://niagarafalls.ca/city-hall/capital-projects/12-millennium-recreational-trail-section-5-2018-.cp