The Courtenay Rotary Club went to the public in October 2010 for input on project ideas for 2011 and was overwhelmed with suggestions.“We received over 250 responses with over 50 per cent of them suggesting more trails within the city or along the shoreline. This gave us a clear indication on which direction to go,” says Courtenay Rotary Club president Robert Buckley.One suggestion was a trail and beautification project along the train tracks. Courtenay Rotarian Art Meyers, who is the chair of Rotary’s auction committee, contacted Graham Bruce of the Island Corridor Foundation to discuss the possibility of this project becoming the northern terminus of the Island-long trail corridor along the E&N Rail tracks.A meeting was setup with an invite to the City of Courtenay. All parties agreed this would be a great project and the City of Courtenay came on board.“We are pleased to have the City of Courtenay get involved with us on this project. Rotary’s commitment is a walking and cycling trail from Fifth Street to the train station at Cumberland Road,” explains Meyers. “The City of Courtenay envisions this project continuing to 29th Street over the coming years.”The trail and beautification efforts will vastly improve visitors’ impressions coming in on the train and give local residents a new community trail system to enjoy.”The Courtenay Rotary Club is holding its annual online auction March 1 to 31 to support Trail Along The Rails. Everyone is invited to bid online on over 400 select items, services and gift certificates.“This is a great opportunity to not only enjoy bidding online for great local products and services but also to help us build this trail system and beautify the neighbourhood it passes through,“ adds Buckley.”— Courtenay Rotary Club

Comox Valley Record