Earl Toner used to recommend Quebec’s biking trails to tourists near his Grand Falls home. Now, he observes residents leaving with their bikes or mobility devices, heading to the nearby trail he helped establish. “It’s fascinating to see them enjoying themselves, just like me,” Toner remarked. As a cyclist, he was part of a volunteer team that brought a five-kilometer trail to life in the northern New Brunswick community in 2022, creating opportunities for people who might otherwise stay indoors. Toner is optimistic that an upcoming project to extend the trail will have a similar impact.
Recently, the federal government pledged $5.2 million towards building a 35-kilometer multi-use trail connecting Vallée-des-Rivières and the Village of Southern Victoria to Grand Falls. The trail, constructed along an old railway track, will be completed in two phases. The lower segment to Southern Victoria will allow motorized equipment like e-scooters and e-bikes, while the upper part will be a green trail designated for biking and walking only. This restriction was stipulated by J.D. Irving Ltd., the landowner leasing the property to the municipality. The federal funding covers 60% of the $11.3 million project cost, with the municipality seeking provincial support for the remainder.
Toner and his cycling group had long envisioned transforming the old Canadian National track into a scenic biking trail alongside the river. Despite initial setbacks in discussions with an Irving representative, a breakthrough came when MLA Chuck Chiasson intervened, leading to a successful negotiation. Toner believes the trail’s completion could benefit Grand Falls’ tourism industry and enhance community connectivity, especially for individuals commuting to places like the McCain Foods plant.
Mayor Bertrand Beaulieu highlighted the trail’s triple role: providing a safe active transportation route, attracting tourists to the area, and offering cost-saving options for local travel. Although not a cyclist, Beaulieu expressed interest in acquiring an e-bike before the trail’s launch. The community’s enthusiastic response has motivated collaboration with cyclists to expedite the project. Municipal planning for the trail is underway, aiming for completion by 2030 if all goes smoothly.
