New trail planned for Kitchener's Balzer Creek this summer

A new multi-use pathway will be built along Kitchener's Balzer Creek starting this summer.

The trail, which will be 420 meters long, will go from Homer Watson Boulevard to Fallowfield Drive. While it will be used by residents and will link to an existing trail from Coach Hill Drive to Homer Watson Boulevard, it will also be used by the city for access sanitary sewer utilities.

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City staff said the creek was identified in 2013 as needing restoration because there was significant erosion. This pathway will help improve the area.

As well, it will make the area more walkable and help the city "realize the goal of providing residents of all ages and abilities the means to travel easily and safely through their neighbourhood."

Trail construction to begin this summer

A staff report said the trail would cost $400,000, which would be covered under the community trails development general provision. It is part of a million-dollar restoration plan for Balzer Creek.

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A staff report said residents in the area did express concern about how close the trail would be to their homes and staff suggested planting something to create a visual buffer between the private and public space.

The creek restoration project is currently in the detailed design stage and construction is expected to begin this summer.