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Local Cyclists Disappointed by Decision To Demolish Dirt Track

am800-news-gantchio-trail-mountain-bike-dirt-track-november-12-2017
am800-news-gantchio-trail-mountain-bike-dirt-track-november-12-2017
Bikers hope to be involved if a new track is built

A council decision to demolish a handmade dirt track on the city's east side has a group of local cyclists feeling disappointed.

Spencer McCallion is with the group fighting to keep the track which has existed for more than 10 years near the Little River Road entrance of the Ganatchio Trail.

McCallion says his group would like to be part of any plans going forward.

"I've been talking to a bunch of the guys in the group chat and what not. I've been out there. I accept their decision. I understand it," he says. "We're sad to see it go, but I hope that they will hopefully give us a plan for a new site and maybe even allow up to participate in it."

McCallion says there's a lot of good memories at the track.

"Honestly, I knew none of the guys out there. I went out there just out on a whim in Grade 8 and I met them all," he explains. "I started digging and what not, started helping out and they're all a bunch of good guys. I didn't even bike before I went there."

The group is trying to remain optimistic in hoping the city finds a new home for the track.

"We've been working on it for ten plus years, but I think, ultimately, we all knew what was going to happen," says McCallion. "We're talking with the council right now about the new site and hopefully getting our collaboration with it, but right now we're not 100%. We're obviously going to enjoy this while we can."

After a short debate Monday night, City Council voted to flatten the track due to liability concerns. Ward 7 Councillor Irek Kusmierczyk had asked council to put a pause on the demo while options were explored, but was ultimately shot down. Administration has been asked to investigate the possibility of moving the track to a new site.

 

- With files from AM800's Rob Hindi

Local News

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