6 October, 2026

From Weeds to a Weathered Bridge: The Impact of Trail Care Grants in Local Communities

Diverse volunteers pose in a field behind bags of trash and carts filled with litter from a cleanup.

What do invasive weeds, drainage issues, an unsafe bridge, community volunteerism, and a youth-led trail clean-up initiative have in common? 

They are the focus areas of five of the 137 projects that received funding from Trans Canada Trail’s Trail Care grant program this year. 

Through projects just like these, thousands of volunteers across the country have been maintaining and enhancing local sections of the Trans Canada Trail so everyone in the community can enjoy spending even more time in nature.

Group of about a dozen people in casual clothes posing on a dirt forest trail with a brown-and-white dog in front and a white van in the background.

Trail cleanup on the Municipality of Saint-Urbain. Photo credit: Pierre Bouchard.

Partnering to support Trail improvement projects 

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. Behind all Trail Care 2026 projects is the support of partners who recognize the important role trails play in strong, connected communities.  

TC Energy is one of those valued partners, helping turn local needs and volunteer efforts into meaningful improvements along the Trans Canada Trail. 

Through their commitment to “building stronger communities, together,” TC Energy supported 23 Trail Care projects across six provinces this year. From trail maintenance and repairs to improved drainage and community clean-ups, their support is helping volunteers address local concerns and create safer, more welcoming trail experiences.  

We are grateful to TC Energy for investing in the people and projects that keep Canada’s trails thriving and for helping communities come together to care for the places they love.

Two volunteers in yellow rain jackets and wide-brim hats pose smiling in front of a red barn.

Volunteers on the Township of Uxbridge Trail.

National in scope, local in execution 

These projects are among the 23 projects made possible by TC Energy’s support of Trail Care: 

• The funding received by the Town of Cochrane (AB) supported a volunteer-led pilot project to control invasive weeds along a section of the Trans Canada Trail adjacent to the Bow River, helping to protect Cochrane’s natural spaces. 

• During three Trail Days, the Friends of Kananaskis Country welcomed 52 volunteers who addressed drainage and tread issues on this section of the Trans Canada Trail, including the Tom Snow Trail, Cox Hill Trail and the connector to the Dawson Public Recreation Area. 

• A weathering, non-standard bridge that was becoming unsafe on a low, spring run-off drainage section of the Trail was replaced by the Sparwood Trails Alliance in BC, ensuring that future Trail visitors can safely access the area. 

• The Township of Uxbridge hosted a Trail Discovery Day where they celebrated current volunteers and promoted community volunteerism, as well as welcomed 31 trail and volunteer-related organizations who provided information and resources to the 200+ people who attended. 

• A youth-led trail clean-up and beautification initiative along the Township of Tiny’s section of the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario involved removing litter and improving the cleanliness, safety and appearance of the Trail. 

Volunteers with the Friends of Kananaskis. Photo credit: Friends of Kananaskis.

Do you have an idea for a Trail Care project? 

Trail Care Grants are now available year-round through a rolling application process as part of Trans Canada Trail’s Trail Catalyst Fund. Local organizations, trail groups and eligible community partners can learn more and apply at tctrail.ca/funding.   

Snowy mountain overlook with a snowmobile parked near a wooden table and bench, evergreen trees, and bright sun in a blue sky.

Grooming the Elk Valley Trail, with help from a Trail Care grant. Photo credit: Colin Standish.

Generous supporters 

This year’s Trail Care Grant Program was generously supported by Athletic Brewing Company, Columbia Sportswear, Eldorado Gold, TC Energy, Tom’s of Maine and the Toyota Canada Fund for Trail Sustainability.   

 

Feature photo: Trail cleanup with the Hamilton Conservation Foundation. Credit: Hamilton Conservation Foundation, Griffin Moore.