A former mayor of Belleville is hoping that a trail dedicated in her name will serve as a reminder to future generations about the need for environmental sustainability.
The extension of the Bay Shore Trail, east from Herchimer Avenue, was dedicated in honour of Shirley Langer on Monday morning.
Langer served as mayor from 1992 to 1995, but now lives in Toronto and has always been a strong advocate for environmentalism.
During her remarks on Monday, Langer stressed the important role that local government can play in keeping environmentalism top of mind for residents.
“Because they are so close to accessing the people and allowing people access to them. If people were really interested in doing something about the environment that would discourage bad behaviour and encourage good environmental behaviour, local government is the place to do it. So that’s what motivated me.”
Former Belleville Mayor Shirley Langer speaks at a dedication ceremony, for an extension of the Bay Shore Trail, that is being named in her honour. The ceremony was held on July 26, 2021. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Langer added that she hopes that trend will continue here in Belleville under the current mayor and council.
“I hope that Mayor Panciuk will, if not put on a mantle of environmentalism, at least acknowledge it. Not as a simple issue of reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse, but about diversity, conservation of water, discouraging bad behaviours like pouring things down your sink that you shouldn’t. Everything from the simple to the more complex.”
Mayor Mitch Panciuk called the dedication a fitting tribute to someone who was “ahead of their time” when it comes to environmental activism, noting that the trail extension will be more than just somewhere for people to walk or ride.
“With the focus that our council has had on outdoor recreation and particularly active transportation links, this extension will be a very important part. It will not just be an extension, but it will also be a link to an outdoor recreation area where we’re hoping to have cross country skiing and snowshoeing, and future things as well.”
The 1.5 kilometre Bay Shore Trail extension is expected to be completed by next spring or summer and will stretch from Herchimer Avenue, east to the former Bakelite property.
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk and former Mayor Shirley Langer arrive at a trail dedication on July 26, 2021. An eastward extension of the Bay Shore Trail is being named in Langer’s honour. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Former Belleville Mayor Shirley Langer chats with City staff at a dedication ceremony, for an extension of the Bay Shore Trail, that is being named in her honour on July 26, 2021. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
A sign recognizing the future completion of the Shirley Langer Bay Shore Trail, from Herchimer Avenue, east to the former Bakelite Property, on July 26, 2021. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
Former Belleville mayors Mary-Anne Sills, Shirley Langer and current Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk, pose for a photo on July 26, 2021. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
