The Muskoka Off-Road Cycling Association (MORCA) is working with the Town of Bracebridge to enhance a trail near the Meadow Heights subidivision.
Bracebridge council approved a report from Scott Clayton, manager of operations, and Geoff Carleton, director of public works, during its April 10 meeting that outlined how the town will work with MORCA to enhance the eight-kilometre trail known as the Covered Bridge/South Monck Trail.
Included in the report is MORCA’s proposal which outlines how there will be trails for different mountain biking skill levels built over the next five years.
The current trails are maintained by town staff and volunteers with $12,400 set aside in the 2024 budget.
Coun. Andrew Struthers, an active cyclist, suggested signage be put up to explain the trails are multi-use. “Any new active transportation, especially using existing infrastructure, is fantastic,” he added.
Clayton said the town will work with MORCA to do that and maintain the trails.
Coun. Don Smith noted it’s great mountain bikers have an alternative after the Porcupine Ridge trail closed in Oct. 2023. However, he wondered what kind of enhancements will be needed to bring the trail up to the standard of the ones at the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre. Smith asked Clayton if the trails are currently wide enough to handle an influx of mountain bikers.
Clayton said they are, but added some work is needed to make sure the trails are safe. He explained they may need to cut down trees, but it would be “minor” and added switchbacks would be created to help people navigate around difficult terrain.
“We’re always looking to protect the environment,” said Clayton.