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The first small stretch in Harrow was opened this year and the leg from Harrow to Ruthven should be ready by spring.
[Richard Wyma] said the Harrow section is heavily used by hikers and cyclists.
Chrysler Canada donated $250,000 last year to help cover the cost of buying the former railway and fundraising is under way to develop it at an estimated cost of about $750,000.
A federal grant will help complete the Chrysler Canada Greenway by next year.
The funding of $145,497 announced this week will cover wages for 21 workers through the Employment Insurance Job Creation Partnerships Employment Benefit.
The money will help develop the Oldcastle to Harrow section, which should open in a year.
About half the employees will do promotional work and the rest will do landscaping, including work on fencing and bridge repairs.
The 44-km former railway corridor was purchased by the Essex Region Conservation Authority in 1995.
The first small stretch in Harrow was opened this year and the leg from Harrow to Ruthven should be ready by spring.
"Probably next fall is when we hope to get the whole thing open," said Richard Wyma, the authority's land management supervisor. "It will be done in five years, which I think is pretty impressive."
Wyma said the Harrow section is heavily used by hikers and cyclists.
Entire trail
People are eager to use the entire trail which could some day become the southernmost leg of the Trans Canada Trail.
"I answer hundreds of phone calls, at least it seems like hundreds of phone calls, saying 'when can I use it?'" Wyma said.
A 1997 study showed the completed greenway could attract 21,700 local visitors and tourists in its first year of operation and generate revenues of $992,920.
Chrysler Canada donated $250,000 last year to help cover the cost of buying the former railway and fundraising is under way to develop it at an estimated cost of about $750,000.
Copyright Southam Publications Inc. Oct 2, 1998