A Look Back at Some Wonderful Trail Care Projects from 2022
It’s Trail Care time! Each year, thousands of volunteers undertake projects to ensure that all users can safely access the benefits of outdoor recreation on the Trans Canada Trail. Our Trail Care grant program provides funding for projects to improve Trail sections, supporting the transition from one season to another.
In 2022, we awarded Trail Care grants to 166 trail organizations and volunteer groups, across each province and territory. These groups operate, maintain and enhance the Trail from coast to coast to coast. Here’s a look back at some of the wonderful – and important – work that was done last year!
Trail Care in Stukely-Sud, Quebec
On April 30, 2022, a team of lumberjacks, citizen volunteers and municipality staff members pitched in to break down and clear wood and branches, clean up debris and garbage, and install signage directing visitors from a park next to city hall to the Chemin de la Diligence Trail.
Special thanks to sponsor Columbia Sportswear for their support!
Guylaine Lafleur, Interim General Director for the municipality, said, “Without the Trail Care Grant Program, we would not have been able to perform the clean-up job so thoroughly and so well.”
Trail Care in Chatham-Kent, Ontario
On June 1, 2022, the municipality of Chatham-Kent, Ontario, held a Trail Care event with volunteers from the municipality and the Chatham-Kent Trail Council, and Trans Canada Trail staff members. Volunteers, staff and contractors filled potholes, repaired signage, removed fallen trees and branches, cleaned up debris and garbage, groomed the trail and installed a trail counter.
Genevieve Champagne, Active Transportation and Special Events Coordinator with the municipality of Chatham-Kent, worked with dedicated volunteers to make this excellent event happen.
Trail Care with Pêmiska Tourism, Saskatchewan
Planned to coincide with International Trails Day on June 4, 2022, Pêmiska Tourism used the Trail Care Grant Program to install Trans Canada Trail signage and clear deadfall along the Pêmiska Trails, and to commission cultural performers to demonstrate the varied experiences visitors can expect when on their trails. Fifteen volunteers organized the activities and welcomed participants.
Trans Canada Trail’s Kristen Gabora, Director, Trail Development & Volunteers, and Mathieu Roy, VP, Chief Trails Experience Officer, attended the Trail Care event. The event’s generous sponsor, Columbia Sportswear, provided T-shirts for the event.
The day’s events included an opening at the site where the first shot was fired in the Battle of Batoche in 1885; a performance by the Creeland Dancers, which included a dance lesson; drumming, First Nations dancing and musical performances; an orienteering activity and dinner.
Project lead Kevin Seesequasis described the impact of the Trans Canada Trail on the community: “Our tourism efforts are significantly enhanced by the presence of the Trans Canada Trail in our community. It is a tangible link to our history, to our Kichiota partners at Wanuskewin and in Whitecap, and will enable us to provide multi-day activities for visitors, which will stimulate the economy, enhance physical and mental health, and provide a critical element to reconciliation efforts.”
Trail Care in the Village of Haines Junction
In conjunction with International Trails Day on June 4, 2022, the Village of Haines Junction in the Yukon held a Trail Care event to clean up debris, move large rocks, stain posts and pack the trail.
The Trail Care Grant Program allowed community organizations and members to get involved and work towards creating a welcome trail for families and a variety of recreational activities, including being wheelchair accessible.
Fifteen volunteers were involved, and sponsor Columbia Sportswear provided T-shirts and personal gear to attendees and project leads. New friendships were made, and lasting memories created.
Yari Izigzon, Corporate Administrator for the Village of Haines Junction, said, “We truly appreciate the support and efforts of Trans Canada Trail towards maintaining trails around the country.”
Trail Care with the Discovery Trail Snowmobile Association, Newfoundland and Labrador
On June 18, 2022, The Discovery Trail Snowmobile Association welcomed 29 volunteers who put in over 50 volunteer hours to repair and improve a Trail section around the town of Clarenceville, Newfoundland and Labrador. This Trail Care Event benefitted from support from the town of Clarenceville and the local business community. Trans Canada Trail’s Trail Care Grant Program and generous sponsor Columbia Sportswear ensured the Discovery Trail Snowmobile Association was able to complete this crucial repair and upgrade.
The Discovery Trail Snowmobile Association and other volunteers completed ditching and installed culverts and Class A stone and rock in large, washed-out areas along the trail. Once complete, they graded a 12-kilometre section of the trail. Bonus: they built a rest stop alongside a river that runs parallel to the trail!
Peter Troke, president of the Discover Trail Snowmobile Association, said, “Funding like the Trail Care Grant Program permits small volunteer groups to make necessary repairs to the trailway to ensure its safe use and longevity for many more years.”
More Trail Care projects coming soon!
Stay tuned for stories of inspiring community spirit as we showcase dedicated volunteers enhancing and upgrading the Trail through our 2023 Trail Care Grant Program!
