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Proudly Made in Ontario
By Greenspoke
The Town of Blind River, with its motto “Stay, Play, Live!”, exemplifies the essence of an active and engaged community. Despite its rural setting and population of just 3,500, this vibrant town offers an impressive array of affordable recreational opportunities. From a bustling arena and community centre to kilometres of hiking and cycling trails, Blind River is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Blind River was recently awarded the EDCO’s Rural Tourism Development of the Year in 2023. In this Q&A with Karen Bittner, Director of Facilities and Community Services, we delve into the town’s dedication to providing cycling infrastructure to its residents and visitors and the benefits observed.
Can you share how the residents of Blind River stay active? It looks like you have an impressive trail system in your area!
Our motto is “Stay, Play, Live!” and play is a key part to our local culture. We are a rural community of 3,500, but we offer access to a multitude of affordable recreation, including a thriving arena and community centre, vast kilometres of hiking and cycling trails, accessible lollipop trail (wheelchair and mobility-device friendly), new pickleball and tennis courts, and many other amenities for community members. We were honoured to receive EDCO’s Rural Tourism Development of the Year award in 2023 alongside Destination Northern Ontario for our improvements that benefit locals and tourists alike!
Why was providing cycling infrastructure, such as bike racks and repair stations, a priority for your town?
We are lacking a bike repair business with the nearest shop an hour away. We recognize that not all residents have the means to make the drive, and so the municipality recognized a need for both locals and tourists.
How have you seen local cyclists benefiting from these resources in your community?
Your heart will melt when you see kids tuning up their bikes at our locations. We’ve seen kids use the repair stations, parents drop off kids to pump a tire, and more. They have been in place for roughly 4 years and not one instance of vandalism – showing us that they are appreciated in the community.
How did you determine where to install these bike racks and repair stations?
We have one unit downtown, one at our marine park, and one at our visitor’s centre. The repair station at Marine Park ensures that our camping cyclists and families in the southwest end of town can easily access tools.
The repair station at Marine Park ensures that cyclists who are camping, as well as families in the southwest end of town, can easily access bike repair tools. Our downtown location at the library ensures that our centrally located families have close access to tools (and is also great for cyclists who stop downtown for lunch). The repair station at the Visitor’s Centre is a great way to welcome cyclists, in our opinion, with washrooms available, picnic areas, and now a 24/7 bike repair station!
How did you promote the availability and location of the bike racks and repair stations you installed?
We provide annual reminders and social-media blitzes for our new residents to be looped in. The stands are displayed proudly in plain sight—and are hard to miss!
The Town of Blind River’s commitment to promoting an active lifestyle is evident through its well-maintained trails, accessible facilities, and recent enhancements. Prioritizing cycling infrastructure, such as bike racks and repair stations, has proven to be a valuable investment. The positive response from local cyclists, including children and families, highlights the importance and appreciation of these resources. Blind River’s proactive approach is a testament to their dedication to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in their town!
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