Body: Planning Committee Type: Document Meeting: Committee Date: 2025 Collection: Agenda Attachments Municipality: Frontenac County
[View Document (PDF)](/docs/frontenac-county/Item Attachments/Agenda Item/2025/March/Staff Briefing Richard Allen Manager of Economic Development will brief the Planning and Economic Development Advisory Committee on the East/The Loop Market Readiness Assessment Briefing.pdf)
Document Text
The Loop
Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop Market Readiness Assessment
Project Overview • Introduction to the Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop, aka “The Loop” • A 360-km multi-use trail connecting K&P Trail, Cataraqui Trail, Algonquin Trail and and Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail • Purpose of the project: To develop a signature cycle tourism experience in Eastern Ontario with multi-day itineraries, regional connectivity, and economic development outcomes
Strategic Importance • • • •
Alignment with regional & national plans: K&P Trail Management Plan Frontenac Destination Development Plan Federal Tourism Growth Strategy
• Positioning Eastern Ontario as a cycling tourism destination
Market Readiness Assessment (2024) • Conducted by Terminus Consulting • Evaluated infrastructure, tourism services, governance • Identified strengths and challenges to making the loop “market ready”
Strengths in Frontenac County • • • •
Trail infrastructure in good condition* Trail Signage and Wayfinding Dynamic and changing landscapes Potential for economic benefits through increased visitation and local spending • Potential for new business opportunities
Challenges & Opportunities There are 75 kilometres of K&P Trail between Sharbot Lake and Calabogie with: • Limited Food & Beverage • Limited Accommodations • Infrastructure Improvements needed Potential for: • Food Trucks (weekend traffic) • Accommodations – Cabins, Backcountry Camping, Glamping, Campgrounds • Outfitting – Gear rentals, Bike Rentals, Trip Support • Shuttle Services (Moving cars, luggage, people) • Events (Races, Festivals, Challenges) Markets: • Day Trips (Gravel Cycling) • Bikepacking • Distance Cycling Frontenac K&P Trail Business Plan 2025 - 2029
Frontenac County Challenges • • • •
Limited accommodations & services Surface conditions requiring upgrades Gaps in wayfinding & signage Funding sustainability (Cataraqui Trail)
Frontenac County Action Plan • Expand business development & tourism readiness: Accommodations Focus • Improve trail surface Cataraqui Trail K&P Trail between Snow Road Station and Lanark County
• Strengthen regional partnerships & governance • Ensure budget and funding in place for upgrades & marketing initiatives
Next Steps • • • • • •
Partner Engagement Marketing & Brand Development Encouraging and Supporting Events Planned Capital Projects Business Development Support for Cataraqui Trail
Engagement & Public Awareness • Trail Towns engagement sessions Virtual Event April 3 at 10:00 AM In Person Events (Locations to be determined)
• Speaking engagements: Economic Developers Council of Ontario Ontario East Municipal Conference Tourism Industry Association of Canada
• K&P Trail Business & User Survey (2025)
North Frontenac Rehabilitation
Frontenac K&P Trail Business Plan 2025 - 2029
•
Rehabilitated 8 kilometres of Trail in Central and North Frontenac with funding support from the Rural Economic Development Program.
•
Additional financial support on this project came from Ottawa Valley ATV Club, Frontenac ATV Club, Kick & Push Brewery, Sharbot Lake Business Group, Clarendon Station Accommodation and 1 private donation
North Frontenac Rehabilitation cont.
Frontenac K&P Trail Business Plan 2025 - 2029
North Frontenac Rehabilitation cont.
Frontenac K&P Trail Business Plan 2025 - 2029
Streetview Frontenac County added the K&P Trail to Google Street View, enhancing accessibility and trip planning. • • •
Frontenac K&P Trail Business Plan 2025 - 2029
This project resulted in 360 degree footage of the K&P trail. Supports visitors, especially those with mobility challenges. Planning to capture North Frontenac and any gaps in Summer 2025.
Trail Use Data Physical Counts
2021
2022
2023
158,911
170,801
144,384
(Sept 4) 1615
(Jan 22) 2148
(Feb 5) 2264
Daily Average Use
435
468
437
Mobile Data
2021
2022
2023
Total Visits
231,794
218,199
197,110
Unique Visitors
52,025
86,498
82,711
Number of Tourists (100 km)
11,705
11,729
15,632
Total Counts: Peak Day
Frontenac K&P Trail Business Plan 2025 - 2029
Questions?
Frontenac K&P Trail Business Plan 2025 - 2029
