Following the success of a six-month cycling pilot in Haliburton village this summer, Pamela Marsales says the Caboose Community Bike Hub located in Head Lake Park needs community support if it’s to return for another season.
The space opened in April after the Friends of the Rail Trail (FoRT) secured $30,000 in seed grant funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The money was used to renovate the caboose in Head Lake Park, allowing the space to be used as a focal point for cycling-related programming in the downtown.
Marsales said FoRT planned to apply for a follow-up OTF grow grant for 2026, but the project didn’t make the cut. She told Dysart et al council Oct. 28 more money would be needed to support the hub’s operations next year.
“The bike hub gave new purpose to the working on the budget now and it’s not looking too good.” Following further discussion, coun. Nancy Wood-Roberts suggested council was fine committing the space for another season, but not any additional funds. caboose, which had been sitting empty and had pretty much become a storage shed. It added new vibrant energy to the entrance to Head Lake Park,” Marsales said. “The project served literally all ages, from 18 months to people in their 80s. The caboose was an inviting space for visitors.”
She estimated about 200 people visited the caboose and participated in community rides and workshops throughout the summer, with the hub closing for the season in October.
She asked if Dysart would consider dedicating money in the 2026 budget to support another season of cycling, but council was unconvinced.
“The problem with these things is, you get the seed grant and then don’t get the one after that, so then everyone comes to the township looking for money. It just isn’t [realistic],” said mayor Murray Fearrey. “I don’t think the space is an issue. The caboose looks a lot better… but we’re working on the budget now and it’s not looking too good.”
Following further discussion, coun. Nancy Wood-Roberts suggested council was fine committing the space for another season, but not any additional funds.
Marsales said there are numerous benefits to continuing the program. She said the caboose drew visitors from other areas, with a seniors cycling group from Sudbury stopping in to learn about the Rotary bike share. Marsales said they intended to launch something similar in their home community.
Guided rides through the downtown were popular, Marsales said, helping to showcase all that Haliburton village has to offer. She said the Rotary bikes, a regular target for local vandals, have had a quieter season.
“Since this project has been active, there’s been a rise in responsible use of the bike share. We can keep an eye on everything happening in the park, keep running our programming, which was very popular through summer,” Marsales said.
She estimates there are 1.7 million cyclists in Ontario, generating an economic impact of $517 million per year. On average, visiting cyclists spend $317 when riding in a new area. She pitched a similar arrangement to the one Dysart has with Rails End Gallery, where the municipality contributes money for operations and maintenance.
“It’s a unique opportunity to continue supporting a location that gets high visibility and enjoyed a successful year of programming this summer. It would be a shame to see that space sit empty again,” Marsales said.
Dysart did not commit any money, with Marsales saying she intends to approach Haliburton County Development Corporation (HCDC) for funding. A formal request for municipal funding will be considered during 2026 budget talks, Fearrey said.
