Three Eastern Ontario counties begin process to take ownership of K&P Trail

Three Eastern Ontario counties have taken the first formal step toward assuming ownership of key sections of the historic K&P Trail. Wardens Richard Kidd of Lanark, Peter Emon of Renfrew, and Bill Saunders of Frontenac recently gathered to sign documents that begin the transfer process from the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA).

The three wardens were joined by MVCA General Manager Sally McIntyre and Board Chair Roy Huetl to mark the occasion, which officials say reflects a shared commitment to protecting and enhancing one of the region’s most popular recreational corridors.

The K&P Trail, originally a railway line, stretches across multiple counties and has become a widely used multi-use route for hikers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Under the agreement signed this week, the counties will work with the MVCA to establish clear property titles before a full transfer is completed, according to a release from the town of Carleton Place.

In the interim, Lanark and Renfrew Counties will lease their respective trail sections to ensure continuity of stewardship.

“Trails like the K&P are more than pathways through our communities – they are economic drivers, tourism magnets, and places where residents connect with nature,” Kidd shared. “By working together, we are safeguarding this legacy for future generations while strengthening the recreational opportunities that make our region such a vibrant place to live and visit.”

The MVCA said in the release that it supports the transition, noting that the counties are well-positioned to manage the trail’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Once the transfer is finalized, the counties will take full responsibility for trail maintenance, accessibility improvements and promotion—work that local officials say is key to supporting tourism and outdoor recreation.