About CWATS

The County of Essex developed the County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS) plan to promote active, healthy living and the construction of recreational infrastructure, like shared pathways and bicycle lanes, that will enrich the quality of life for local residents and encourage tourism.

CWATS is supported by the county’s Official Plan. Our goal is to create an accessible, inclusive, sustainable and well-used active transportation network linking rural and urban areas.

Our vision

The County of Essex and our seven local municipalities support active transportation (walking and cycling). In association with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, City of Windsor and Municipality of Chatham-Kent and other partners, we are working together to foster a safe, comfortable, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly environment by encouraging people of all ages and abilities to engage in non-motorized activities for everyday transportation and recreation. Residents and visitors are able to travel and experience the urban and rural area of the county using a connected network of on and off-road pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Our region’s Active Transportation Charter is based on the following six principles:

• Access: Active forms of transportation can support residents to access local goods, services, and places that they need to go.
• Equity: Active transportation is a universally affordable way to travel that allows residents to live more independently.
• Health and well-being: Regular, active transportation enhances overall health and well-being of our residents and community.
• Environmental sustainability: Active transportation relies on human power and is good for our environment.
• Personal and community safety: An environment where people feel safe and comfortable supports active lifestyles and increases community safety for all.
• Community cohesion and prosperity: Active transportation encourages social interaction and boosts local economic vitality.

Our plan

Essex County Council adopted the first CWATS Master Plan in 2012 (LINK). The plan is currently being updated in consultation with our partners.

The main parts of the Master Plan include:

• Education and engagement: Involve the public and stakeholders in the process and the development of the network.
• Proposed active transportation network: A vision of a completed network of trails and paths as envisioned in 2012.
• Implementation: An outline of the phases and costs associated with achieving the plan's objectives.
• Policies and recommendations: An outline of the policies and recommendations that guide development of the CWATS network.

We have made considerable progress in creating the CWATS network. The CWATS Master Plan is being updated to reflect lessons learned, best practices and new trends that have emerged since 2012. Watch here for updates.

Active transportation will also be included in the new Essex County Transportation Master Plan we are developing with input from residents and other stakeholders. Watch the Transportation Master Plan page for updates.

Our committee

We want to encourage cycling, walking and more active lifestyles through public awareness campaigns and by constructing a safe and convenient network of multi-use pathways, bicycle lanes and signed routes.

The CWATS Committee is made up of representatives from each of our partners. It identifies walking and cycling opportunities we can create in conjunction with other road rehabilitation or construction projects. It also promotes cycling and walking in our region.

CWATS Committee members:

• Jerry Behl, County of Essex
• Kevin Morse, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
• Todd Hewitt, Town of Amherstburg
• David McBeth, Town of Essex
• Tim Del Greco, Town of Kingsville
• TBA, Municipality of Lakeshore
• Kristina Brcic, Michael Cappucci and Jonathan Osborne, Town of LaSalle
• John Pilmer, Municipality of Leamington
• Brian Hillman, Town of Tecumseh
• Deanna Pizycki, Ontario Ministry of Transportation
• Kevin Money, Essex Region Conservation Authority
• Kathleen Quenneville, City of Windsor
• Jeff Hagan, Municipality of Chatham-Kent