Rail Trail Connection from Marlatts Road to Welland Canal Trail (Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study)

Study Overview

The City of Thorold has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) study to determine the preferred connection between the existing Rail Trail and the Welland Canal Trail. An image of the study area is provided in the Photos section. The purpose of this Study is to identify and evaluate several alternative trail alignments to determine the preferred trail alignment between the Rail Trail trailhead to the Welland Canal Trail.

The Process

The Study is being carried out as a Schedule ‘B’ project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Municipal Engineers Association (MEA), October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2023, and 2024), which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The study will complete the first two phases of the MCEA process, which includes public and stakeholder consultation, Indigenous Community engagement, the development and evaluation of alternative solutions primarily based on the City’s Transportation Master Plan (TMP) recommendations as well as others, an assessment of the impacts of the proposed works, and identification of measures to mitigate any adverse e􀆯ects. Upon completion of the Study, a Project File Report (PFR) will be prepared to summarize the Study findings, which will be filed for a 30-day public review period.

Public Engagement

Public consultation is vital to the success of this study. We want to ensure that anyone interested in this study has the opportunity to get involved and provide input and we welcome comments and questions at any time during the study.

Public Information Centre

A Public Information Centre (PIC) was held as part of the study to provide an opportunity for agencies, Indigenous Communities, and members of the public to review background information on the Study, existing conditions in the study area, alternative trail alignments considered, the evaluation of alternatives, and the preliminary technically preferred alignment. Members of the Project Team were available to answer questions and receive comments.

The PIC took place as an in-person, drop-in style open house:

Date: July 15, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Location: City of Thorold – City Hall Atrium, 3540 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON

Comments on the PIC materials are welcome until August 15, 2025.

To submit questions or comments, or to be added to the study mailing list, please reach out to one of the Project Team members listed on the website.

July 15 Presentation Materials:

Display Panels: Thorold - Rails to Trails EA - Public Information Centre Display Panels (Final_For Website).pdf

Recording: 5. Website Recording