Notice of Study Completion: Rail Trail Connection from Marlatts Road to the Welland Canal Trail

The Study

The City of Thorold has completed a Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) for an active transportation connection between the existing Rail Trail and the Welland Canal Trail in the City of Thorold, within the Regional Municipality of Niagara (see key map below).

Following consultation with the public, key stakeholders, Indigenous Communities, and external agencies, a recommended connection between the Rail Trail and Welland Canal Trail has been identified. The recommended connection includes a multi-use trail facility along Beaverdams Road and Ormond Street South, connecting the Rail Trail trailhead to the Welland Canal Trail.

Project File Review Period

This Study was completed as a Schedule ‘B’ project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, as amended (October 2000, amended 2007, 2011, 2015, 2023 and 2024).

A Project File Report (PFR) has been prepared to document the study process, existing conditions, identification and evaluation of alternative trail alignments and facility types, the recommended alternative, potential environmental impacts and recommended mitigation measures, and engagement activities undertaken. The PFR is being made available for a 30-day review period from January 12, 2026 to February 11, 2026.

The report can be reviewed and downloaded from the project page below or requested in person during regular hours of operation at the Municipal Operation Centre - 1543 Beaverdams Rd, Thorold, ON L2V 1N6

Let's Talk Thorold

Project Team:

Alex Sales, P.Eng
Project Manager, Public Works and Community Services, City of Thorold
905-227-6613 ext. 342
Email: Alex.Sales@thorold.ca

Chris Sidlar, M.Sc.Pl., MCIP, RPP
Consultant Project Director, LEA Consulting Ltd.
416-572-1791
Email: CSidlar@lea.ca

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order imposing additional conditions or requiring a higher level of study on the grounds that the requested order may prevent, mitigate or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests must include your contact information and be received by February 11, 2026.

Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (additional conditions or an individual environmental assessment), explain how an order may prevent, mitigate, or remedy potential adverse impacts, and can include any supporting information. The request should be sent in writing or by email to both:

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
777 Bay Street, 5th Floor
Toronto, ON M7A 2J3
Email: minister.mecp@ontario.ca

Director, Environmental Assessment Branch
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks
135 St. Clair Avenue West, 1st Floor
Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
Email: EABDirector@ontario.ca

Requests should also be copied to the City of Thorold’s Project Manager by mail or e-mail. Please visit the ministry’s website for more information on requests for orders under section 16 of the Environmental Assessment Act at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/class-environmental-assessments-part-ii-order

Information is being collected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All comments will become part of the public record. Unless you request that your personal information remain confidential, all personal information included in a request for an order, may be made available to the general public by the Ministry under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act and/or s.37 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

This Notice was issued on January 12, 2026.