Construction is officially underway on a new accessible trail in Pelham that will link Klager Park to the Steve Bauer Trail.

The Town of Pelham announced that a groundbreaking ceremony was held on October 14 to mark the start of work on the Klager Park Trail, part of an effort to expand the community's trail network and make it easier for residents to reach natural spaces.

The project will build a 350-metre crushed stone pathway designed to be accessible. Once finished, it will connect Klager Park to the Steve Bauer Trail, opening up a continuous walking and cycling route for residents of Fonthill and the wider Pelham community.

The work is being carried out with support from the Fonthill Lions Club and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA).

"The Klager Park Trail is the result of work by many different community groups who have come together to support the common goal of expanding trail access in Pelham," said Ryan Cook, the town's Associate Director of Parks and Facilities, in the town's announcement. "I'm excited for the trail to be completed and used by many members of the community for years to come."

The NPCA has been a key partner on the project, working to protect the adjacent section of Twelve Mile Creek as construction proceeds and helping with plantings along the new pathway.

"The restoration of this section of Twelve Mile Creek and creation of a new trail connection between Klager Park and the Steve Bauer Trail is an investment in the long-term health and resilience of the watershed," said Steve Miller, Senior Manager of Infrastructure Engineering and Asset Management with the NPCA.

"By stabilizing erosion-prone areas, enhancing natural habitat, and creating new opportunities for public access and environmental education, this project delivers lasting benefits for both the community and the environment," Miller added. "Together we are demonstrating what can be achieved when municipalities, conservation organizations, and community partners work together toward a shared vision for stewardship and sustainability."

The majority of the new trail is expected to be substantially complete this year, according to the Town of Pelham. Full completion, including the installation of benches along the route, is anticipated by spring 2027.

Town staff, councillors and representatives from the NPCA and the Fonthill Lions Club were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony.