Trail Catalyst Fund

The Trail Catalyst Fund is a comprehensive funding initiative designed to enhance the quality, connectivity, and sustainability of the national trail network. It supports strategic investments in trails and the trail sector, all with the goal of fostering a safe, inclusive and resilient Trans Canada Trail.

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Funding streams

 

The Trail Catalyst Fund is a single gateway for applicants to access a wide range of available funds. The appropriate stream can be selected during the application process. 

  • Planting for Tomorrow: Focuses on environmental restoration like tree planting, nature-based solutions, and sustainability initiatives. 
  • Disaster Relief: Provides rapid-response funding to repair and restore sections of the Trail damaged by natural disasters such as floods, wildfires, and storms. 
  • Indigenous Knowledge and Trails: Supports partnerships with Indigenous communities to incorporate Indigenous knowledge, values, and cultural perspectives into trail development and stewardship.  
  • Infrastructure and Adaptation: Provides financial support for major and minor repairs, safety upgrades, and adaptation projects to ensure the Trail remains accessible and resilient in the face of changing environmental and usage conditions.  
  • Signage: Supports the installation of clear, consistent, and branded signage to improve navigation, safety, education, and overall trail experience across the network.  
  • Training and Professional Development: Invests in youth and workforce development initiatives to train the next generation of trail builders and stewards, building capacity for long-term trail sustainability. 
  • Trail Care: Offers funding for seasonal cleanup and small-scale maintenance projects. This grant also encourages community and volunteer involvement through trail care events, particularly in the spring.  
  • Trails for All: Aims to improve accessibility and inclusion on the Trail, supporting projects that remove barriers and create welcoming trail experiences for all. 

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Read eligibility criteria

 

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Available funding

 

The Trail Catalyst Fund provides between 35% and 100% of required funding depending on the total project costs.  A project may be phased over two years and be eligible for funding in both years.

Project cost Available funding
$0 – $1,500 Eligible for funding up to 100% of total project costs
$1,501 – $25,000 Eligible for funding up to 50% of total project costs
$25,001 – $40,000 Eligible for funding up to 50% of the first $25,000 of total project costs, and up to 35% of the remaining balance
$40,000 or more Eligible for funding up to 35% of total project costs, to a maximum of $60,000 per project per year

 

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Eligibility criteria and project requirements 

 

Group eligibility 

Groups or organizations that own or manage a section of the Trans Canada Trail are eligible for the Trail Catalyst Fund. The Fund may be extended to organizations within the broader trail sector for projects related to tree planting, youth wage subsidy, and trail work in Indigenous communities. 

Eligible groups must also: 

  • Carry at least $2,000,000 in general liability insurance and provide an annual certificate of insurance to Trans Canada Trail (if managing a trail section registered with Trans Canada Trail) 
  • Be in good standing with Trans Canada Trail (if managing a trail section registered with Trans Canada Trail) 
  • Submit an electronic funds transfer authorization form and a void cheque upon approval of project 

To be eligible for the Fund, groups cannot hold more than three (3) Trail Catalyst Fund projects at a time. 

Project eligibility 

Eligible projects must: 

  • Be on or along the Trans Canada Trail (eligibility may also be extended to projects related to tree planting, youth wage subsidy, and trail work in Indigenous communities)  

Projects should also address, consider or support: 

  • Climate resilience and nature-based solutions, such as habitat restoration, tree planting and protection of species at risk 
  • A net-zero tree loss; removed trees must be replaced, ideally guided by a forest engineer’s assessment (Trans Canada Trail may consider additional support to meet this requirement) 
  • The development or improvement of designated greenway sections on the Trans Canada Trail, in alignment with Trans Canada Trail Greenway Principles. 

Stream-specific eligibility 

Some project types are also limited to a maximum amount of funding, and have specific eligibility. All other requirements still apply.

Stream-specific eligibility

 

Application requirements 

All applications must: 

  • Be complete and include all required information and documentation 
  • Demonstrate project feasibility 
  • Include a comprehensive budget, realistic schedule and proof of all necessary permissions 
  • Demonstrate the organization’s authority to deliver the project 
  • Demonstrate community support 
  • Demonstrate organization’s commitment to ongoing maintenance of the Trail after project completion 

Eligible expenses 

Eligible project expenses include: 

  • Contract and services costs (including consultants, contractors, site controls, and laboratory fees) 
  • Materials and equipment costs (rented, purchased or donated at fair market value): 
  • Purchased equipment must be essential to the project and clearly described in the application 
  • Owned equipment is eligible only for the portion used (e.g., fuel, maintenance, depreciation) 
  • Labour (excluding benefits) at the following hourly rates: 
  • Project manager wages or fees, up to $95/hour  
  • Technical staff wages or fees, up to $100/hour 
  • Labourer wages or fees, up to $60/hour 

Expenses related to general administration, volunteer time, land or access fees for private land, land purchases, taxes, application fees, contingencies, and municipal staff salaries covered by city budgets are not eligible for funding. 

Reporting and recognition requirements 

All scheduled reports must be submitted to Trans Canada Trail on time, as outlined in your contribution agreement or in these guidelines. Late reporting without prior notice may impact future funding eligibility. Reports must be submitted using Trans Canada Trail’s online form and include:  

  • Project updates (note any changes to the project scope, schedule or budget) 
  • Expenditures (provide a summary of total costs to date) 
  • Total number of volunteers and volunteer hours, and description of any community engagement 
  • Location details and documentation (submit project and signage locations, along with any other supporting documents) 
  • A description of procurement processes 
  • A description of efforts to promote inclusivity, local participation and sustainability 
  • Photos (at least 1mb in size), including: 
  • before and after photos 
  • at least two high quality photos showing the project outcome 

All submitted materials (photos, videos, stories, reports, etc.) – including those from authorized third parties – may be used by Trans Canada Trail for promotional purposes without compensation. 

All successful applicants must publicly acknowledge support from Trans Canada Trail for the duration of their grant 

Assessment by Trans Canada Trail 

At no cost to the applicant, select projects will be: 

  • Audited by Trans Canada Trail using Propulso 
  • Assessed using Trans Canada Trail’s Trail Sustainability Index and the Costing Tool
  • Selected for accessibility mapping (the applicant must help coordinate the process, provide trail details, and accompany the mapper as needed) 

 

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Intake and payment schedule

 

The Trail Catalyst Fund has a year-round intake schedule to ensure trail operators can access funding when their projects are ready. Applications will be reviewed and responded to quarterly: 

Application period Reviewed by Response by
January – March April 30 May 15
April – June July 31 August 31
July – September October 30 November 15
October – December January 31 February 15

 

Generally, payments will be issued following a standard payment schedule based on value of the awarded funds. Adjustments may be made at any time at the sole discretion of Trans Canada Trail. 

For funding up to $15,000, two scheduled payments will be made: 

  • 50% upon signing of the agreement  
  • 50% upon review of the final report  

For funding over $15,000, three scheduled payments will be made: 

  • 25% upon signing of the agreement  
  • 50% at the midpoint of the project (when 50% of the work is complete)
  • 25% upon review of the final report 

 

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Support

 

Trans Canada Trail staff are available to discuss your project and provide guidance on: 

  • project eligibility 
  • what to do if your project requires more funding 
  • The application process.

Email project@tctrail.ca to connect with Trans Canada Trail staff, or book a time to meet.  

 

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Application

 

If your project is eligible for the Trail Catalyst Fund, you can submit an application today. 

 

Apply now

 

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