Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail / Algonquin Trail

Flashback Friday! Did you know that tracks from the Canadian Pacific Railway used to run through Renfrew? The Canadian Pacific Railway was founded in 1881 in... order to physically unite Canada from coast to coast. In 1882 the railway launched its first commercial telegram and entered the express shipment business. Similar to the CN Railway, the CP Railway once had passenger carts and their own line of hotels. One of their most popular hotels was the Banff Springs Hotel, which opened in 1888. These locations allowed tourists to participate in many outdoor activities, including sight-seeing, hiking, trail riding, mountain climbing, fishing, golfing, swimming, sailing and canoeing in the summer and, skiing, skating and tobogganing in the winter. The CPR played a part in immigration and settling in Canada as well. The railway actively recruited immigrants and settlers from eastern Canada and Europe. They sold farmland to attract settlers, set up model farms to show settlers how to farm in the prairies, sent train car exhibits to eastern Canada, built and marketed ready-made farms, and built one of the largest irrigation projects in North America to transform 440,000 acres of semi-arid land in Alberta into productive farmland. Fun Fact- The building of the Canadian Pacific Railway is considered to be one of Canada's greatest achievements in engineering! The CPR sold the stretch of the rail line between Smiths Falls and Mattawa to Renfrew County, County of Lanark and the Township of Papineau-Cameron. The section of the trail in Renfrew County was named the Algonquin Trail, however, the trail's official name is the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail. The trail is perfect for biking, ATVing, site-seeing and walking.

March 16 - the OVRT/Algonquin Trail is closed until further notice to all motorized users for the spring dry out; we plan to reopen it in keeping with the Trail operational plans (May 1st, or earlier as determined - - Lanark County)

Algonquin Trail in the Village of Chalk River H&H Construction Inc. has been contracted by the Ministry of Transportation under Contract 2020-4022 to conduct the hauling and stockpiling of material on County of Renfrew property in the site of the former train station in the Village of Chalk River. Work is to commence on February 1, 2021 and finish up early March. Truck and equipment will be travelling through the site during the day and evening. During this time, we ask residents and the public to avoid this area and to obey all construction signage and limits.

Patrolling the 118 in Pembroke, meet a lot of great people on the trail, very respectful and considerate. I bit of a cool day at -28 this morning. Thanks to our volunteers for taking the time out of their busy weekend

Please take a moment to complete the Trail Activity & Use Survey at the link provided below. The results will help us to expand and promote our county-owned trail network and will assist our many clubs and organizations as they develop their own trail systems across the Ottawa Valley. Also, please share this survey with your friends and family who are also trail users. ... https://www.ottawavalleytrail.com/trail-survey

OK Folks, we shouldn't have to remind people but we will. Many sections of the trail are currently NOT OPEN for sledders. Please consult the map for details. Enforcement agencies have been asked to patrol regularly. https://ofsc.evtrails.com/#

With the overnight snow Timberline S/C was able to finally get the groomer out packing. Still need more snow but it’s a start. Trails remain closed please keep off we’re trying to build a base.

Well a big thanks to all Volunteers that help out today .. The Timberline Snowmobile Club is happy for the opening of this new chunk of trail...it's been a lon...g time coming.. Now east end business in Town will be able to enjoy the benefits that come with the Addition of this Skidoo Trail .... And sledder's will have a few new Motels to stay at in town and a few more restaurants to end at ... See more

Location markers for the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail/Algonquin Trail being installed - 1 km at a time. The get-together of GIS & Trails for Renfrew County.

Work on the new Timberline trail #118 utilizing more of the Algonquin Trail has started. 1st job was to remove the concrete barriers. Next we will brush and sig...n. This trail will run into the east end of Pembroke, resulting in greater access to accommodations, restaurants and fuel. Thanks to the County of Renfrew for making this happen. Special thanks to Finnigan’s Restaurant for allowing us into their parking lot. See more

Respect the signs in the new Community Safety Corridor in McNab/Braeside.

Almost finished in the Town of Renfrew!

Staff improving the Petawawa River structure.

Railings on the Water Street (unofficially named the Hobbs) structure complete.

This will finish the stone dusting in the Town of Renfrew.

A few weeks ago, we celebrated the Grand Opening of the Alameda. There was sun, pipers, dancers, cyclists, hot cinnamon buns, and much gratitude and many than...k yous. What a very Mississippi Millian event! The Alameda is a stunning example of what our community can achieve by taking action and working together, and one that will serve generations to come. It was made possible through donations from residents, trail user groups, and local businesses whose names will appear on a commemorative plaque on the Trail. Today, September 30th, is the deadline to add your name to the list for donations of $200 or more. Cheques can be dropped off at Baker Bob’s or money transfers can be e-mailed to [email protected]. A big thank you to community organizer, Stephen Brathwaite, and his support team of experts for making this happen: Ed Lawrence (CBC Radio Noon Gardening expert), Dr. Ron Ayling (Forestry, University of Toronto), Allan Goddard (Almonte Landscape Services, Biologist) and Scott Hortop ( Senior Soil Carbon Advocate). Photo credit: theHumm

Snow will not stop the improvements on the Algonquin Trail. Starting the 1.7 km of stone dust to complete the section between Main St and Turcotte Rd - Whitewater Region.

Improvements to the approaches to the Madawaska River structure in the Town of Arnprior. Please respect signage as the site is under construction. Work to be completed by Saturday.

RCATV is a fantastic partner of the OVRT. What a great article on ATVing in our region. A real economic development and tourism attraction!

Trail Improvements Underway: The Lanark County section of the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT) from Shaw Road to Arnprior Bridge will be closed for repairs from 6am Monday, Sept. 21 to 4pm Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. Thank you for your patience as we improve our trails.

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: The Lanark County section of the OVRT from Shaw Rd to Arnrprior Bridge will be closed for repairs (large culvert replacement) from 6:00am Monday, September 21st till 4:00pm Thursday, September 24th.

Renfrew County ATV Club grading the Algonquin Trail.

Community spirit was at an all time high today in Mississippi Mills and Carleton Place! You know, it's really inspiring being surrounded by so many folks who e...ncompass so much heart, soul, passion and exude goodness and happiness. Really makes one want to be a better person. The day started in Almonte Ward of Mississippi Mills with the Official Opening of the Almonte Alameda. This project was entirely community driven. A sketch on paper and a delegation to County Council a mere twelve months ago has already come to fruition. Over 100 sugar maples planted along the OVRT, purchased by members of the community, raising over 30K. Talk about dedication. Lead by the artistic genius himself, Stephen Brathwaite, as well as Ron Ayling, Ed Lawrence and an abundance of volunteers too numerous to name, thank you will never seem like enough. You've set the bar high and I can already see the ripple effect of your contributions. It's contagious. Following the Alameda Opening, a group of 50+ cyclists participated in the Lanark County Warden's Slow Roll in support of the United Way East Ontario from the Alameda to Junction Park Carleton Place to enjoy a BBQ put on by volunteers from the Almonte Civitan, prizes, speeches, sunshine and most importantly, good company, all while adhering to public health guidelines. This October marks the 2 year anniversary of the opening of the Lanark County section of the OVRT (Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail); former CP Rail Line from Sturgess Road in Montague Township to the Renfrew County border (Arnprior). The concept of this multi-use trail was originally discussed back in 2010, then eventually purchased by Lanark County, Renfrew County and Papineau-Cameron from CP Rail and in time, will fully connect from Smiths Falls to Mattawa. It's very heart warming to know how much this trail is used twelve months of the year. A true positive asset in our community. Like anything though, one size fits all rarely works. My hope, going forward is that we all work together to find solutions, with a "how can we make this work" attitude instead of "too bad, live with it". People with different interests/opinions are not your enemy unless you choose to make them so. #lanarkcountyproud

The Paassionate Hiker travels the OVRT/Algonquin Trail. https://thepassionatehiker.blogspot.com//the-ovrt-beyond-r

CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: The Lanark County section of the OVRT from Shaw Road to Arnrprior Bridge will be closed for repairs (large culvert replacement) from 6:00am Monday, September 14 till 4:00pm Thursday, September 17th.

Be sure to join us on Sept. 12 for some great activities! Warden Brian Campbell invites you for a bike ride with him down the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail ...from the Almonte Alameda to Carleton Junction as a fundraiser for the United Way. At 10:30 a.m., the beautiful Alameda will be officially opened with a special ceremony (including physical distancing). See attached for info. To register for the fundraiser, visit http://www.lanarkcounty.ca/Abo/NewsMedia/WardenSlowRoll.htm For questions please email [email protected]

The beauty of Lanark County in August is on full display with the peaking Sunflowers at Harshell Farm. Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, north of Blackney, south of Panmure. #getoutside

Attention Riders! The McAndrew access to Tim Hortons and Wendy’s is closed due to the construction that will improve access to the Algonquin Trail in Renfrew