NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF THESSALON
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Thessalon is to be commended for its commitment to creating a coastal trail for residents and tourists to enjoy. After two years of hard work from the Town Council, staff, and a myriad of volunteers, the Grand Opening took place on a blustery Saturday with over 100 in attendance.
Thessalon Coastal Trail offers something for everyone. For the hardy, seasoned hiker the entire return 8km wilderness trail will give you the workout you are looking for. Want to check out migrating waterfowl or herons fishing? Many birding spots to be had. Just out for a short walk in your running shoes, pick from several loops to hike. Mobility challenged? No problem – the crushed gravel accessible trail is ready for you.
Notable accolades from those who participated in the guided hikes at the Grand Opening agree the Thessalon Coastal Trail is a gem. “Especially loved the floating walkway and the red chairs!” “The trail had so much variety – one minute we are walking along the granite rocks and watching the North Channel waves, then we dip into the quiet pine forest – loved it – we will be back!”
After Mayor Bill Rosenberg opened with the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe land acknowledgement, the highlights of the Grand Opening were the ribbon cutting by the Trails Team and volunteer appreciation led by Susan Brisson, Trails Team secretary.
Deputy Mayor and Trails Team Lead, Jordan Bird eloquently spoke about his vision of the Thessalon Coastal Trail. “In 2020, during the pandemic my family had to travel north of Sault Ste Marie or several hours’ drive to Manitoulin to partake in coastal hiking. I started poking around in our own community and came across this hidden gem. Fast forward after two years of grant applications and many meetings and hours of trail creation, we can now hike in our own backyard. I am so proud of our Trails Team’s accomplishments and look forward to exploring expansion down the line.”
Jo Beyers, member of the Trails Team promoted the newly created “Friends of the Thessalon Coastal Trail” volunteer group whose goal is to maintain trails and fundraise for enhancements like benches and bird blinds. Borrowing from “Adopt a Highway” initiative that keeps roadsides litter-free, “We would like to encourage local individuals, families, businesses, teams and classes to sign up to help maintain a short section, like 500m, of the trail.”
Guided hikes of varying length and difficulty (easy or moderate) were then provided with Trails Team/Councillor Kevin King leading the 8km walk. A BioBlitz hike to identify living species was facilitated by Kensington Conservancy’s Corrine Wilkerson and Carter Dorscht. Hikers were provided with trail mix and water courtesy of Thessalon Coastal Trail supporter, Smelter Bay Aggregates Lafarge Ltd.
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