Windsor

Surprise motion to halt demolition of 'Dirt Church' BMX trail fails

City administration plans to remove the track that's tucked behind the Ganatchio Trail and called "Dirt Church" by some of its faithful.

Council did support a report on a possible off-road track elsewhere in the city

A mountain biker performs a trick at the 'Dirt Chruch' the bike track hidden on the east side of Windsor. (Chris Ensing/CBC)

A surprise motion brought by Councillor Irek Kusmierczyk to halt the demolition of a hidden, handmade mountain bike trail in Windsor's east end failed Monday evening.

City administration plans to demolish the track that's tucked behind the Ganatchio Trail — called "Dirt Church" by some of its faithful — sometime this week.

Over the years, the trail has seen several upgrades and now includes steps, warning signs and culverts.

Dirt Church

7 years ago
Duration 1:00
This handmade mountain bike track might soon be plowed over.

Kusmierczyk visited the trail last week after complaints from some residents who cited safety concerns during a recent Ward 7 meeting.

Councillors discussed the possibility of building an BMX course elsewhere in the city — something mountain biker Terry Pargelen said is sorely needed as there's no other suitable place in Windsor to ride.

Council did support Kusmierczyk's request that city administration speak with groups of riders and other trail users and bring back a report about creating an off-road track at a different location.