JASON SETNYK
Cornwall City Council has formally approved the Terms of Reference for the Friends of Guindon Park Trail-keepers Association (GPTA), solidifying a new volunteer partnership focused on trail stewardship at Guindon Park.
The decision follows a detailed presentation delivered January 26 by the volunteer-led group seeking to formalize its relationship with the City through a memorandum of understanding. Council’s approval establishes the governance framework under which the GPTA will operate as an advisory working group under Parks and Recreation.
Guindon Park, spanning approximately 500 acres, is the city’s largest natural outdoor recreation area. It supports year-round activities including walking, hiking, mountain and fat biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and water sports. The expansion of a secondary trail network in 2019 increased both recreational opportunities and maintenance needs.
According to the approved Terms of Reference, the GPTA’s objectives include maintaining year-round trail accessibility, enhancing community engagement through rentals and family-friendly events, developing sustainable volunteer programs, and promoting safety and environmental stewardship in line with municipal standards.
The framework makes clear that the association is designed to complement, not replace, the City’s responsibilities. GPTA activities are limited to trail maintenance, winter grooming support, volunteer coordination, and programming within the approved trail network. The group is prohibited from undertaking major construction or capital projects.
The City retains final authority over land use, safety standards, and risk management. The association must carry at least $5 million in commercial general liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, and provide regular updates and annual reporting to administration.
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