The Trails Manitoba Board of Directors and volunteers were accompanied by Mrs. Laureen Harper, Honorary Campaign Chair of the TransCanada Trail, on a 15 km hike as part of the official opening of 40 km of community trails connected through the Border to Beaches Initiative between Old Pinawa Dam Provincial Park and Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Winding along rivers and lakes in Manitoba’s beautiful Canadian Shield country, highlights of the Trail include the Manitoba Hydro Dike and Seven Sisters Generating Station, Ironwood Trail, Pinawa Channel and the Pinawa Suspension Bridge.
The Trail is designed for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing and horseback riding as well as snowmobiling in the winter months.
“This new section of trail will provide even more opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts to enjoy some of the most beautiful country we have to offer,” said Ron Lemieux, Minister of Local Government. “Trails help make Manitoba’s parks and wildlife accessible in a sustainable manner, and assist Manitobans as they live healthy and active lifestyles.”
“Trails make nature accessible in a sustainable manner, and they can play a role in healthy living for Manitobans while also helping increase tourism. This trail provides everyone with greater access to the recreational opportunities offered in our provincial parks,” says Mr. Ian Hughes, President of Trails Manitoba.
Mrs. Laureen Harper agrees that the Border to Beaches Trail and the TransCanada Trail are incredible resources for all Canadians. “This Trail and the development of the TransCanada Trail connect people from coast to coast. I’d like to thank the many volunteers and organizations who have worked so hard to create this legacy for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.”
The Border to Beaches Trail completion initiative is a $4.6 million project that is jointly funded by the Federal Government, the Province of Manitoba, and Trails Manitoba. The two levels of government have each committed $1.45 million, conditional upon Trails Manitoba contributing $1.7 million.
Hughes says the opening of this section of trail represents a significant milestone for the Border to Beaches Trail. “The Trail is now approximately one-third complete. All trails encourage exploration and this one provides unprecedented access to Manitoba’s beautiful wilderness as well as its parks, towns and natural wonders.”
The project goal of the Border to Beaches initiative is a fully built, high quality trail, winding 370 km from the Ontario border and anchored by two of Manitoba’s tourism gems: Grand Beach Provincial Park and Whiteshell Provincial Park. En route it will connect towns and rural areas, following the Winnipeg River.
The TCT has provided $950,000 towards the Border to Beaches Initiative. Ms Deborah Apps, CEO of the TransCanada Trail notes that the TCT is now 72% complete. “Ultimately this will be the longest and grandest recreational trail in the world, stretching 24,000 km and linking 1000 communities from the Atlantic to the Pacific and to the Arctic Ocean.”
Approximately 90% of the TransCanada Trail is complete in Manitoba.
