In December of 2000, the Province of Ontario completed the acquisition of the abandoned railway corridor formerly owned by CN, which runs from Uxbridge to Corbyville.

A summary of the key events related to this section of the rail corridor are:

1858 Rail Line established.
1988 CN Line Abandoned the line and removed the railway ties and no management of the line occurred.
1988 Kawartha Rail Trails Organization formed based out of Peterborough viewed this line to be a significant contribution to recreation, tourism and local heritage.
1992 1st Economic Study by Trent University for this rail trail- estimated $1.3m to $3.6m economic impact for area.
1994 Ontario Trails Council- became the lead agency for the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario- identified this section of rail trail as an important potential connection.
1999 Town of Lindsay Municipal Government passed motion endorsing the Trans Canada Trail through Lindsay.
2000 Province Ontario purchased line for possible future transportation, recreation and energy needs.
2000 Trans Canada Trail Ocean Water Relay Celebration occurred in Lindsay an area, it was a major tourism event using part of the rail trail.
2001 Release of the final report by GSI Real Estate and Planning Advisors (Consultants) for the Ontario government. After a comprehensive public consultation process, rail corridor identified as a key Trans Canada Trail route and recommended cycling, walking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling as the recreational trail use.
2003 Subsequent to the GSI study the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Peterborough District Office) was given the responsibility to implement the recommendations in the study. A Rail/Trail Advisory Committee was established.
2004 2nd Economic Study by PriceWaterhouse for the Trans Canada Trail Foundation was completed to estimate the economic impact of the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario. It was determined that provincially $2.4 billion would be generated and for this section (includes City of Kawartha Lakes) of the trail (Region 6) it was estimated over $400m.
2005 The Ontario Trails Council & Trans Canada Trail Ontario Director made a presentation to City of Kawartha Lakes Community Service staff for support to have the trail established. No action taken.
2005 Ontario Provincial Trail Strategy Released (October) and the Trans Canada Trail is given a Provincial Priority to be completed by 2010.
2006 The City Kawartha Lakes Trails Master Plan completed, the plan identified the Trans Canada Trail as a priority in the development of trails within the City of Kawartha Lakes.
2006 (January) Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources declared the rail line corridor surplus and subsequently it was released to the Ontario Realty Corporation for possible disposal.
2006 (January) 1st Friends of Trans Canada Trail meeting for the City of Kawartha Lakes was held with a mandate to retain ownership of this rail corridor and have a registered and operational TCT by 2010.
2006 Ontario Government leased the abandoned rail line to Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association.
2006-2007 Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association incorporated as a not-for-profit charitable organization.
2010 Construction of the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail 95% complete.
2014 Last 800 meters of trail completed at the end of Dobson Street in Lindsay. Total of 53 kms of trail fully completed and operational.

Five Core Uses:

Prohibited Uses: With the exception of snowmobiles, all motorized vehicles including ATV’s and dirt bikes are not permitted on the trail.

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Hiking / Walking / Running

The trail surface is ideal for hiking, walking and running, all of which have a powerful effect on your health. There is a bench about 1 km east and west of Lindsay, Omemee & Reaboro. Walk there and back every day, enjoy the fresh air and reap the benefits.

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Cycling

The trail is suitable for hybrid, cyclocross and long distance touring bikes (anything with a wider tire). Enjoy this relatively flat surface free from traffic and the flora and fauna along the way.

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Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the trail and experience the natural beauty of our region. The crushed limestone surface is suitable and safe for horses. Please help keep the trail beautiful and safe for other users by cleaning up after your horses.

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Cross-Country Skiing / Snowshoeing

Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean you can't still enjoy the outdoors on the trail. During winter months, the trail is an ideal location for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

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Snowmobiling

Uxbridge to Opmar Road is groomed by the ‘Heart of Ontario’ Snowmobile Club. The rest of the trail is not groomed, but snowmobiles are welcome. There is currently no route through the town of Lindsay for snowmobilers.

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