County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS)

With its flat terrain and stunning shoreline vistas, Essex County is home to some of the best cycling and walking opportunities in the province, if not the country. The County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS) leverages these natural attributes as we build an ever-expanding network of trails and pathways. 

When it is complete, CWATS will link our seven local municipalities with an active transportation network spanning 1,000 km. It helps us promote healthy and active lifestyles. We recognize the importance connected active transportation corridors, like trails and multi-use paths, play in supporting both tourism and residential development. Residents can easily access this network and tourists can use it to visit historic sites and area wineries.

The County of Essex has partnered with our seven local municipalities, the Essex Region Conservation Authority, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, neighbouring municipalities and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to build a cycling and pedestrian network that improves lives and unites communities.

Both the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Trans Canada Trail incorporate significant parts of the CWATS network.

Get out and get active and join us on our ongoing journey.

Walk, Ride County Wide!