CWATS Continues to Expand Network in 2026

More unseasonably warm days are on tap this week in Essex County – it could reach as high as 20 C by the weekend! – and that surely has more area cycling enthusiasts thinking about the spring, summer and autumn riding season ahead.

So, it’s a good time to update County residents on the latest expansions planned for the County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS).

The long-range goal of CWATS is to create 1,000 km of trails, multi-use pathways, bike lanes and paved shoulders throughout the region. The County of Essex partners with local municipalities and the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) to both fund and plan its network.

In 2026, six more paved shoulder additions totaling 16.7 kilometres – at a cost of under $4 million – are coming to County roads, via the Paved Shoulder Program. This will further strengthen cycling connectivity across the County and increase the CWATS network to some 580 km.

Paved-shoulder additions in 2026 are located as follows:

• County Road 3 (Malden Road), from CR 8 to Canard Drive, in LaSalle.
• County Road 8, from CR 23 to Cameron Sideroad, on the Lakeshore/Kingsville border.
• County Road 8, from CR 31 to Highway 77, on the Lakeshore/Leamington border.
• County Road 9 (Howard Avenue), from South Talbot Road to CR 7 (Huron Church Line Road) on the LaSalle/Tecumseh border.
• County Road 31, from CR 8 to CR 14 on the Kingsville/Leamington border.
• County Road 42, from 65 metres east of Aimee Street to Lakeshore Road 129, in Lakeshore.

Numerous other significant additions are coming to CWATS in 2026. Through the Core Infrastructure Program, another 3.7 km of multi-use paths will be constructed this year in Essex, Leamington and LaSalle. Other projects are currently in the design stage, with construction anticipated to begin later this year or next.

“The County is also continuing its engagement and funding support for various programs that enhance cycling in Windsor and Essex County, including the Migrant Worker Program, additional Wrench Tune-Up Shops, and Winter Wheels 2026 initiatives,” said Sumer Yalda-Johnston, Transportation Planning Coordinator for the County of Essex. “Together, these programs and initiatives represent continued progress toward a safer, more connected active transportation network for residents and visitors alike.”

Learn more about CWATS trails, multi-use pathways, bike lanes and paved shoulders at cwats.ca!