"A speaker at a Rotary meeting sparked an initiative that led to a valued legacy project by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise (RCNS) and for our community. In 2008 the RCNS hosted a speaker from Norfolk County’s Planning & Economic Development Department to speak about the County’s new Strategic Plan. One of the goals identified in that plan was for the County to develop a walking and cycling trail through Simcoe on the historical Lake Erie and Northern Railway line. Following that meeting, and some discussion by the RCNS Board, we told the County “We can help with that!” And help we did, to the betterment of our community."
See how we went about this at the 'Read more ...' tab. Watch the video to see how much fun we have with this task!
"The Club leased the rail corridor from Norfolk County and began fundraising. Rotarians spent many days planning in cooperation with Norfolk County managers and other community groups. Rotarians and other trail enthusiasts in the community cleared the brush along the 4-kilometer length of trail corridor between Argyle St. and Concession 13. Local contractors were engaged and Norfolk County remained a strong administrative partner through the construction period. Rotary led the entire project, bringing community partners together as a true community initiative. Our club raised approximately $100,000 through grants and corporate and individual sponsorships for the construction, adequate to build the trail. Three or four years later Norfolk County assisted us to source a provincial grant to pave most of the length of trail.
A few years after the completion of the Trail, the RCNS exited its lease and turned the Trail over to Norfolk County to manage. The Club maintains a committee of trail enthusiasts, and a small budget for trail maintenance. We conduct a trail clean-up each spring and have planted over 14,000 daffodil bulbs and approximately 300 redbud and other Carolinian tree species to adorn the Trail and sequester carbon.
The Norfolk Sunrise Trail runs from Argyle Street in downtown Simcoe to Concession 13 north of town, connecting the Lynn Valley Trail, the Waterford Heritage Trail, and the Delhi Rail Trail. It is heavily used by local walkers and cyclists, and as part of the Trans-Canada Trail brings cyclists into Norfolk County from other communities.
It all started with a speaker at a regular Club meeting. From there, an amazing project was born and continues to grow in our community largely through the nurturing of the members of The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise. " Go to this link for more details about our trail. This reminiscence was provided by current Co-President Ross Gowan for publication on 14 May 2025
