Dozens of rural trail projects OK’d

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This article was published 17/09/2021 (1650 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HEADINGLEY — Trails Manitoba has selected the first projects approved for funding through the provincial government’s Manitoba Trails Improvement Endowment Fund.

After receiving more than 80 applications, 35 recreational trail projects were chosen in rural Manitoba, with approved Winnipeg projects to be announced later this year, Conservation Minister Sarah Guillemard said Friday at Beaudry Provincial Park.

The province established the $10-million endowment fund to generate revenue for groups to develop new trails and enhance and maintain trails throughout the province. Nearly $900,000 has been granted for recreational trail projects following the first round of applications for 2020-21, Guillemard said.

Some of the approved projects include $39,200 to develop a scenic walking trail off of the Headingley Grand Trunk Trail, $25,850 for a study on a new trail on the Brokenhead Interpretive Trail Loop, and $65,366 for a regional trail system connecting Stony Mountain to Stonewall.

Manitobans have made the most of the province’s trail system during the pandemic, proponents said.

“In the past year and a half, as COVID-19 has forced people to explore locally, we’ve really seen how important trails are for our mental and physical health,” said Erik Dickson, president of Trails Manitoba. “I encourage everyone to get outside and explore our communities, towns, cities and our province.”

A member of the Headingley Grant Trunk Trail Association said that trail had a huge increase in use during the pandemic — even during winter. Jean Robson said users will soon have a wilderness detour running from the 10-kilometre straight, flat route on top of a former rail bed.

“It’s great for hiking, running and riding bikes, but it’s not quite as relaxing and doesn’t get you as in touch with nature as the new little piece will,” Robson said at the park near the end of the Grand Trunk trail. The new trail runs through a forest, natural marshland and is bookended by tall grass prairie, she said.

Wood chips will soon be spread along the path that has fitness and rest areas, as well as a natural playground with interactive signage about conservation and sustainability, Robson said.

“It’s a really nice journey.”

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca