Belleville, Ontario, July 7, 2020 – Today Loyalist College announced the construction of a pedestrian/cyclist path and bridge across Potter’s Creek to connect the College to Avonlough Road and the City of Belleville’s proposed extension to its Cycling Network. In partnership with the City of Belleville and in consultation with Quinte Conservation, Loyalist’s path will provide access to and from the College through a section of its 200-acre campus to Avonlough Road on the property’s east side.
“This path and bridge have been desired and discussed for many years, so it is wonderful to see it come to fruition with support from the City of Belleville,” said Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, Loyalist College President and CEO. “The new route will enhance safe and easy access between the College and our community, encouraging sustainable travel along an active transportation system. As a Destination College, we plan to provide our students with fun, cost-effective opportunities to explore and experience all our beautiful City has to offer through a bike share program.”
The 450-metre path and bridge will be fully lit, maintained and monitored by Loyalist security through surveillance cameras. Design of the project, which was approved by the Loyalist Board of Governors on June 24, will be completed by Greer Galloway, consulting engineers who will also facilitate required permits before the construction contract is tendered later this year. The cost of the path, which is expected to be approximately $500,000, will primarily be funded by Loyalist College with a $100,000 contribution from the City of Belleville.
“The City of Belleville’s Transportation Master Plan, 2014, identified a recommended cycling network to accommodate and promote active transportation and Council approved creating a Bridge Street West cycling route to provide a direct link for cyclists and students to Loyalist College,” said Mayor Mitch Panciuk. “Since then we have been constructing a network of bike lanes, shared roadways and active transportation paths across the City. Later this summer, the City will begin construction on a paved, lit, off-road asphalt trail through an existing City owned right-of-way from Meagher Place to Avonlough Road which backs onto Loyalist College. This will complete the City’s Bridge Street West cycling route and with the College reaching out to join us, the connection between the campus and downtown Belleville will be complete.”
About Loyalist College
Loyalist is Ontario’s Destination College, empowering students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. The College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Of 2017-18 Loyalist graduates, 88.5 percent were employed within six months after graduation. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.7 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $382 million annually to the regional economy – based on a March 2020 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit YoureGoingPlaces.com.
– 30 –
Contact: Kerry Lorimer, Director, Marketing, Communications and Recruitment
Loyalist College, klorimer@loyalistcollege.com, 613-969-1913, ext. 2536