Trail Connector

Just a few ways your generosity helped over the past year:

	168 major trail projects funded
	67 youth trained for employment
	279 local trail groups funded through Trail Care Program
	6,996 signs installed
	25 new trail sections mapped for accessibility

Photo caption: Colonel Sam Smith Park in Toronto, Ontario. Courtesy of Heather Wagstaff.

We’re thrilled to report that – with your support – the fourth annual edition of our innovative trail crew training opportunity for Indigenous youth, offered in partnership with the Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP), was a huge success!

First launched in summer 2020, the opportunity consists of a trail crew training week, designed by Trans Canada Trail, was incorporated into Outland’s award-winning land-based skills development six-week summer program offered in select provinces across the country.

The program offers Indigenous youth the opportunity to understand trails and trail use, develop important life skills and work on an actual trail project.

“The Trans Canada Trail trail-building week at OYEP was a great experience. I loved working outdoors and learned a lot.” – Zachary, OYEP participant, Mathias Colomb, Cree Nation

Heather Wagstaff makes sure to get outside and stay active every day, often on the Trans Canada Trail. Part of her car-free lifestyle involves travelling along the Trail – commuting and heading outside for recreation – getting a daily dose of nature right in the middle of the city while staying active.

Heather has been supporting Trans Canada Trail since before the Trail was fully connected. She made donations in honour of all of her nieces and nephews!

When it came time for Heather to think about her will, leaving a portion of her estate to Trans Canada Trail was an obvious choice. “I wanted to support the legacy of the Trail; it’s a national treasure and such a huge undertaking.”

“The Trail benefits the whole country, which is a truly unique.” Heather says. “I was motivated to support the Trail in the early days in recognition of the tremendous undertaking it must have been to move this project from vision to reality. Now I am motivated to ensure its longevity for the next generations!”

Thank you so much, Heather! You are helping ensure the Trans Canada Trail continues to exist – and improve – for generations to come.

If you have left a gift in your will, or if you would like information on doing so, you can also visit: https://tctrail.ca/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/ or get in touch with Danielle Felip at dfelip@tctrail.ca or 1-800-465-3636 ext 4372

A sample of recent trail projects completed:

North | Following a flood, a major recovery project was undertaken to bring the Town of Hay River’s trail back to a safe and useable condition. This included removal of fallen trees and debris, brushing of tree lines, removal of mud and silt from paved sections, and cleanup of primary trailhead locations.

West | An extension project in Fort Nelson, BC has added nearly 40 km of new trail to the network. This section complements the existing community trails.

Prairies | An existing section of the Trail in Meewasin was updated with access gates, signage, trail lighting, new seating nodes, benches and trash receptacles. New plantings, with a focus on native and berry producing trees and shrubs, completed the work.

Central | Construction of a retaining wall in Lac-Saguay was completed following a landslide on the slope of Linear Park after heavy precipitation.

Atlantic | Installed 44 light poles to improve visibility and safety along the Trail, increasing accessibility hours during the winter. With the addition of timers, there will also be a reduction in the amount of light pollution, so as not to disturb nocturnal animals.

This year, Trans Canada Trail created a new fund aimed at recognizing and celebrating exceptional volunteerism along the Trail. Communities across Canada came together to celebrate longtime, dedicated volunteers and recognize their impact in their local trail organization. Here are two volunteers you helped us honour this year:

For over 40 years Bill Mayo has been instrumental in maintaining and raising awareness about the Trail. He has been helping with maintenance on the Dobson Trail in Fundy National Park. At 90 years young, Bill continues to be an active volunteer with the Fundy Hiking Trail Association, often alongside his son, Blair.

“I just forget I’m 90. I walk every day, somewhere,” – Bill Mayo

The Town of Stratford recognized Holly Smith, a volunteer for over 15 years with the town’s active transportation committee. Holly is particularly proud of seeing the completion of the Trail over the Hillsborough Bridge and through Stratford.

Holly describes her motivation: “Healthy living and being as active as possible both played a role in my choosing to volunteer in the trail sector. I believe the Trans Canada Trail is one of the best things we’ve developed in Canada.”

Thank you, Bill and Holly! We are extraordinarily grateful for the support, enthusiasm and love that volunteers show the Trans Canada Trail every day.