21 November, 2024

A Spotlight on Some Great Trail Projects Supported by Our Trail Funding Program

A Trans Canada Trail sign surrounded by trees and mountains, guiding hikers through a serene woodland landscape. Un panneau du sentier Transcanadien entouré d'arbres et de montagnes, guidant les randonneurs à travers un paysage boisé serein.

Here at Trans Canada Trail, we’re continually working with groups across Canada to repair, maintain and enhance sections of the Trail. Much of this work is supported by our Trail Funding Program, which supports trail operators across Canada by offering a range of funding streams to support Trail projects, ranging from accessibility upgrades to signage, design installation and essential repairs.

Angela Morin, Trans Canada Trail’s Manager of Infrastructure and Signage, says, “Trail improvement projects like these ensure a safe, enjoyable experience on the Trans Canada Trail and help keep the network accessible and welcoming for everyone. None of this would be possible without the dedication of so many volunteers.”

Here’s a look at some great Trail projects from the past year!

Improving safety on the Trail in Cochrane, Alberta

A paved path winds through the Town of Cochrane Trail, leading to a grassy hillside adorned with trees. Un sentier pavé serpente à travers le sentier de la ville de Cochrane, menant à une colline herbeuse ornée d'arbres.

In the Town of Cochrane, Alberta, along the Town of Cochrane Trail — a popular trail for walking, cycling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing — a 220-metre section of the Trail that runs through the Gleneagles community was repaved, and 90 metres of guardrail was installed. The pathway is adjacent to a steep gully and can be quite risky to maintain in the winter. The guardrail alleviates the risk and provides a safer, more pleasant experience for Trail users, year-round. This project was supported through Trans Canada Trail’s Trail Funding Program – Infrastructure and Major Repairs.

Widening the Trail and upgrading park lighting in Pickering, Ontario

A bike path bordered by concrete blocks at Bruce Handscomb Memorial Park in Pickering, showcasing a serene outdoor setting. Une piste cyclable bordée de blocs de béton au parc commémoratif Bruce Handscomb à Pickering, mettant en valeur un cadre extérieur serein.

As part of our Infrastructure and Major Repairs funding stream, the section of the Waterfront Trail that runs through Bruce Handscomb Memorial Park was upgraded to include 120 metres of new, 3-metre-wide asphalt trail, improving accessibility for all users. In addition, two sienna stone retaining walls were added, and park lighting and fencing was upgraded. These Trail improvements will further protect the natural features of the ravine and make this Trail section safer. Once these upgrades were completed, erosion management controls were installed along the Trail edge, and trees were planted.

Updating wayfinding signage in Haldimand County, Ontario

In conjunction with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and Haldimand County staff, updated signage was installed along 64 kilometres of the Trans Canada Trail, including artwork, signage addressing junctions with the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, and overall wayfinding signage. A total of 139 wayfinding signs and decals were installed. This update ensures that trail users can access up-to-date information along the Trail. This trail project was made possible through the Signage stream of our Trail Funding Program.

Designing and installing an interpretive panel in East Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia

Three individuals stand beside a tree, featuring wayfinding signage in Haldimand County. Trois personnes se tiennent à côté d'un arbre, avec une signalisation d'orientation dans le comté de Haldimand.

The Gaetz Brook Greenway is the site of the former Chezzetcook Train Station. Earlier this year, in conjunction with SATA Trails Society, Trans Canada Trail helped to design, purchase and install an interpretive sign paying homage to the historical site. The sign was installed in the spring of 2024. This project was also made possible through the Signage stream of our Trail Funding Program.

Connecting two great trails in Charlevoix, Quebec – with a new Trail section!

Another section of the Haute du Gouffre Trail was recently completed, linking the Halte des Pointes and the Traversée de Charlevoix. Previously, the Trans Canada Trail followed a section of roadway to connect the two trails, and a shuttle was provided to trail users who do not want to stay on the roadway. This recent trail repair and upgrade has resulted in the realignment of approximately 20 kilometres of roadway to 26 kilometres of wilderness trail. This repair was made possible through our Greenway Development funding stream.

Repairing a staircase along the Trail in Sudbury, Ontario

A tranquil wooded path in Sudbury, showcasing wooden steps that guide visitors through the natural landscape. Un sentier boisé tranquille à Sudbury, mettant en vedette des marches en bois qui guident les visiteurs à travers le paysage naturel.

As part of the Minor Maintenance and Repair funding stream, we were pleased to help repair and reinforce a 40-step staircase, accounting for 10 metres of elevation change, along the Trans Canada Trail in Sudbury. In addition to the staircase repair, new signage was installed indicating the right of way for different user groups and directing users to the cyclist route in the area. This new signage helps to increase safety on the Trail and prevent erosion by having Trail users follow the appropriate route for their chosen activities.

Find out more about Trans Canada Trail’s funding opportunities!