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Author: Lang Hastings Trail

Join us on May 6, 2023 to celebrate 10 great years with our Volunteers and Donors

Lang Hastings Trail
Members of the Peterborough-Hastings Trans Canada Trail Steering Committee meet at Elmhirst’s Resort on November 27, 2012.

We are delighted to announce that volunteers and donors are coming together on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at 11:00 am to celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the Lang Hastings Trail.  There’s still time to RSVP!

With the support of Trans Canada Trail (TCT), this celebration is being held to recognize the valuable contributions of volunteers and donors, to improve trail sections through essential seasonal maintenance activities and volunteer training.

Each year, volunteers work hundreds of hours to ensure that all users can safely access the Lang Hastings Trail and reap the benefits of outdoor recreation in the county.  The trail would not be the tremendous national asset that it is without the dedication and commitment of tens of thousands of volunteers across the nation, who play a critical role in the development, care, and maintenance of the Trans Canada Trail.

This on-trail event will take place between 11 am – 1 pm, between Heritage Line and Nelson Road/Base Line at the shelter gazebo, erected on the site of the original Grand Trunk Railway Keene Station, 25’ east of the Indian River Bridge.

This project is funded in part by Trans Canada Trail to enhance our local section of Canada’s national trail. Trans Canada Trail awarded Trail Care Grants to 192 trail groups to prepare the Trail for the 2023 spring and summer seasons.  Trail Care is generously supported by Hydro One’s Energizing Life Community Fund and Columbia Sportswear.

 

Le Grand Portage

Lang Hastings Trail

On Sunday, October 2nd, Devin Crago and friends will be portaging a canoe from Birdsalls through to Hastings Village along the trail.  40 teams will take turns portaging a canoe between Toronto and Montréal, each completing a 13 km section for a total distance of 700km, to support Multiple Sclerosis research. If you happen to be out on the trail this weekend and see any canoes, be sure to say hello! Here’s a link to some information on Le Grand Portage   https://legrandportage.ca/en/ and how you can get involved.

 

Keene Station Historical Plaque

Lang Hastings Trail
Barry Diceman and Joe Taylor smile as they unveil our brand new historical plaque

Last Thursday, under a haze of humidity, a crowd of community members and trail supporters gathered around the new Keene Station Gazebo to witness the unveiling of a brand new historical plaque and dedication to the gazebo donors. The ceremony, carried out by Lang Hastings Trail board president Barry Diceman and Mayor of Otonabee South Monaghan Joe Taylor, was the result of many months of hard work by board members and community volunteers alike. 

To kick off the unveiling, board member Christine Painter introduced Clementine MacLeod, the Engagement and Sustainability summer student, and expressed appreciation to Trans Canada Trail for a spring clean-up grant of $1,000.  Barry Diceman delivered a heartfelt speech, honouring the accomplishments of the committee and the vibrant history of the trail. 

In his speech, Diceman explained that the board decided that the Keene Station site “needed something to add some character and information to the location” to encourage trail users to properly appreciate its historical importance. Diceman went on to thank all those who offered their help and support in the erection and maintenance of the gazebo and trail, then invited mayor Joe Taylor to help him in unveiling the plaque for the first time. 

Taylor gave a meaningful short address, acknowledging the importance of the trail to the community.  Together, Barry and Joe pulled down the curtain and revealed the plaque to the group. With an enthusiastic cheer, the crowd welcomed a new era of the Keene Station and demonstrated the strong community brought together by the Lang Hastings Trail. 

The Retirement of Keene Station

Lang Hastings Trail
76 Year Old Station May Soon Close

 

This article, appearing in the February 1st, 1958 edition of the Peterborough Examiner describes the Otonabee Township Council’s decision to retire the Keene Railway station. The station, which was established in 1882, functioned primarily as an outgoing and receiving depot for various types of freight and mail. However, throughout the years, the station demonstrated a lack of patronage and use that would eventually force the council to call for its retirement.

Though the historic nature of the station made its retirement a nostalgic and sentimental event, the unused railway would eventually transform into another beloved community landmark: our very own Lang Hastings Trail.

 

A (Literally) Trailblazing History

Lang Hastings Trail

The above article, penned by D. Gayle Nelson, details the dramatic history of the Keene station and surrounding railway, as told by local newspaper articles. Nelson makes reference to a 1958 article describing the retirement of the Keene station, a 1967 council resolution, and the shocking 1884 accident where a freight train ran off its tracks straight into a swamp.

Nelson’s article, as well as the momentous events it describes, helps to illustrate the railway’s vivid past. Which, in turn, demonstrates the historical importance of what is now the Lang Hastings Trail.

Hiring Engagement & Sustainability Summer Student

Lang Hastings Trail

The Peterborough-Hastings Trans Canada Trail Association is seeking to fill a term position for the Engagement & Sustainability Summer Student role. This position will play an integral role in providing support in the areas of public relations, communications, marketing, and event coordination. Training will be provided.

Compensation: $16.50 per hour (includes $1.00 per hour stipend for personal internet usage). 

Term: 15 – 20 hours per week; to a maximum of 250 hours between July 18 – September 30, 2022. 

Working Hours: Hours are flexible (3 – 4 per day, 5 days per week). Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Location: You will be working remotely and on the Lang Hastings Trail.  Required to attend monthly board meetings in Keene or Elmhirst’s Resort.  Attend events as required in Peterborough, Keene and on the Lang Hastings Trail.

HOW TO APPLY 

The application deadline is July 15, 2022, at 12:00 pm (noon) EST. Learn more about the Lang Hastings Trail at langhastingstrail.ca.  Questions and Resumes can be submitted to board@langhastingstrail.ca or text/call 613-392-3233.

The Peterborough-Hastings Trans Canada Trail Association is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We consider all qualified applicants, without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally-protected factors. 

Nature At Work

Lang Hastings Trail

Earlier this week volunteers put in a few days hard work repairing a near washout on the trail between Villiers and Blezard Lines. It’s a very scenic area with a creek running alongside much of the trail, making it the perfect habitat for beavers. While the area is frequently monitored for beaver activity, with the heavy rains last week, the water did finally runneth over, flooding the trail. Dougherty Aggregates provided stones to shore up the trail side ensuring the base didn’t completely wash out.