Farmgate: Discussing the future of the Peanut Line
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A section of the Peanut Line trail near Williamstown. Photo on April 29, 2021, in Williamstown, Ont. Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Todd Hambleton /Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder
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Every outdoor enthusiast in the area knows or has heard of the Peanut Line Recreational Trail.
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Most have probably used it for their own enjoyment as it provides a location for all manner of activities. Depending on the season it is used for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ATVs, biking, off-road motorcycles, horseback riding, walking (with or without a dog), bird watching, nature study, and just plain strolling along enjoying the outdoors.
It was named after the Peanut Line, a small combination passenger and freight railway line that was built between 1913-15 and ran 40 kilometres from Cornwall east to the Quebec border and beyond. Probably named the Peanut Line due to its small size compared to the much bigger and faster trains which run on the CN Rail mainline along Highway 401. It was a lifeline for area farms, residents, and businesses.
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Passing south of North Lancaster through Glen Gordon and Williamstown (which had a station) it carried on to the Boundary Road and into Cornwall. Farmers could leave produce such as milk or eggs to be picked up where it crossed farm lanes, residents could hop on and go to Cornwall for shopping and appointments.
As the years went by, its use became solely freight, one locomotive pulling three or four box cars into Cornwall and back. I can remember seeing it pass south of our previous farm or waiting for it to cross the Johnson Road. Eventually it became non-essential and was closed in 1995.
Eventually the tracks were torn up, leaving just the gravel railway bed, I am sure the Kelty team that did the work gave away many small sections of rail as mementos which sit in gardens around the area.
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One of our sons worked for Bill and he presented me with a piece of the Peanut Line when they left.
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With no more rail or ties there, the arguments began as to what to do with the remaining right of way. Most farmers whose land it crossed wanted it returned to them. Some even went so far as to level out the railway bed and farm across where it had been.
Most non-farmers wanted it turned into an open to all-recreational trail. Clubs and associations wanted it reserved for the sole use of their members— no one could agree.
In 1995 the Township of South Glengarry took over responsibility for the entire railway right-of-way of the line, thus entered the continuing fray as to its future use. In 2021, the township made its biggest blunder ever and allowed a stand-in head of parks and recreation to organize an unsupervised weekend cleanup of the railbed, removing trees and brush far beyond what had been authorized, all in the name of maintenance.
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Township residents hit the roof. Their beloved Peanut Trail had been widened and destroyed, plus it had been done when countless migratory songbirds were nesting.
Now it would appear the current council is trying to settle the future of the Peanut Line once and for all. A virtual (online) public consultation titled Peanut Line Trail Options Analysis has been announced for the evening of Tuesday, May 17, starting at 7 p.m. To participate you must confirm your attendance by email to [email protected][6] before May 16.
A link to join this session will be provided in advance.
The company WSP has been hired to undertake this review. As much as I dislike tax dollars being used to hire consultants for everything, this time is the perfect time.
Mark your calendar, confirm your virtual presence and start writing down your ideas.
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References
- ^ Opinion (www.gananoquereporter.com)
- ^ Column (www.gananoquereporter.com)
- ^ Farmgate: Homegrown teaches us imperfections are just as tasty (www.standard-freeholder.com)
- ^ Farmgate: Another ice storm cleanup (www.standard-freeholder.com)
- ^ Farmgate: Plant-based milks are not similar to milk (www.standard-freeholder.com)
- ^ [email protected] (www.gananoquereporter.com)
- ^ Community Guidelines (www.gananoquereporter.com)
- ^ email settings (www.gananoquereporter.com)