Council news: Cycling club seeks partnership with Clearview
The Collingwood Cycling Club (CCC) would like to work alongside Clearview on a strategic and sustainable plan for cycling in the township. Spokesman Dave Faoro told a recent meeting of township council that the group has more than 400 members who ride extensively in Clearview.
Faoro says CCC members are very excited about the rail trail currently being developed and there are many favourite routes in Clearview, but there are challenges as well.
He said, “The lack of shoulders on many roads, poor road conditions and aggressive drivers including many with a mixed understanding of the Highway Traffic Act are all hazards.”
Faoro says his group would be happy to help with outreach education of cyclists and non-cyclists alike to improve road safety for all.
“We’d like to ask the township for continued investment in infrastructure including trails and signage and longer term plans for road improvements such as paved shoulders,” he said. “And we’d like to ask the township how we can be good guests.”
Councillors welcomed CCC’s offer to host bike safety workshops and cyclist and resident education programs. Mayor Doug Measures suggested that the group set up a booth at Stayner’s Thursday evening Music, Market and Park It to interact with the public.
Councillor Marty Beelen noted that paving shoulders is very expensive, and could cost the township millions of dollars, money he is not sure would be well spent. “I passed 34 cyclists on Grey County Road 19 over the weekend, and not a single one was riding on the paved shoulder,” he said. Faoro was asked about the provincial policy on cyclists riding side by side. He responded, “The HTA (Highway Traffic Act) is silent on that question, but the police interpretation is that riders are allowed to travel two-by- two as long as they are not creating a hazard.” He noted, “It is easier for a car to pass a dozen cyclists riding two by two than 12 cyclists in single file.” Councillor Robert Walker suggested that certain roads could be designated as cycling routes and priority be given to paving the shoulders on those roads. Faoro said CCC could cooperate by focusing on certain roads when creating route maps.
“There are some dumb drivers but there are some dumb cyclists,” according to Faoro and his group is committed to starting a dialogue and working with various partners to find solutions. Ultimately, he says, “The goal is to work together for a safer, more bike-friendly township and help position Clearview as a signature cycling destination.”
Clearview’s Community Safety Plan updated
Clearview Township has approved a major refresh of its Community Safety and Well Being Plan (CSWB).
Originally adopted in 2021 to comply with the Safer Ontario Act, the plan is a proactive, collaborative approach with local government, police and community partners working together to enhance safety and well being for all residents by addressing social issues and preventing harm.
The South Georgian Bay and Springwater CSWB addresses three areas of risk: housing and homelessness; mental health and addictions especially among youth aged 12-25; and access to services and supports to ensure those with non-emergency needs are connected with appropriate resources.
Consultant Karie Warnar of Avail Consulting told Clearview council the plan is made up of countrywide strategies, but implementation will vary by community. Provincial legislation requires that the CSWB be updated every four years to reflect changing conditions. Since the adoption of the first CSWB Plan the partner municipalities and community partners have made notable progress in addressing priority areas. Warnar says the updated plan is grounded in data and input gathered from multiple sources including local agencies, Stats Canada data, and community engagement.
“The goal is to work across sectors to address issues early and improve outcomes.”
Insights from residents and service providers have helped identify key needs and guide the focus of local efforts. The 2025-2029 CSWB emphasizes four key areas: social development, prevention, risk intervention, and emergency response. These prioritiesreflect both urgent community needs and opportunities for long-term impact.
