The Manitoba government, along with Trails Manitoba, has announced an investment of more than $880,000 to support 33 recreational trails across the province.

“Manitobans love to enjoy the outdoors and our province is home to unique networks of trails that support healthy living and offer great social opportunities,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt. “Adding new trails and ensuring our existing trails are well-maintained helps guarantee Manitobans can continue to enjoy the great outdoors for generations to come.”

The 2024 Trails Manitoba grant program will support the development of new and improved trails across the province, with $697,365 for trails outside Winnipeg and $190,000 for trails within Winnipeg.

In all, these projects will add 36 kilometres of trails to Manitoba’s network while maintaining and upgrading more than 600 kilometres of existing trails, the minister noted.

“The Trails Manitoba grant program is creating pathways to health and quality of life for all Manitobans,” said Jeana Manning, board president, Trails Manitoba. “We honour the volunteer trail builders and the construction teams and supporting partners who have brought this funding to life, creating connections to Manitoba’s stunning landscapes. We look forward to strengthening our ongoing partnerships with the Manitoba government, private funders and all our collaborators, supporting exceptional trails for generations to come.”

This year’s projects include:

  • Northgate system weather resistance project ($20,000), Dauphin;
  • Flinty’s Discovery Trail and wetland accessible loop ($75,000), Flin Flon;
  • Grace Lake boardwalk and boreal trail ($50,000), The Pas;
  • Steep Rock community trail enhancement ($50,000), Steep Rock;
  • Onanole trails enhancement ($33,333), Onanole;
  • Quarry Park splash pad and ball diamonds community access trail ($24,643), Stonewall;
  • public pathway development at The Leaf ($100,000), Winnipeg;
  • Save Our Seine pollinator project ($10,000), Winnipeg; and
  • Fairgrove Park Community Trail at École Stanley Knowles School ($55,000), Winnipeg.

“The new bike path trail in Fairgrove Park is a testament to our community’s commitment to health, education and outdoor enjoyment,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, City of Winnipeg. “Through the partnership between the city, Winnipeg School Division and Trails Manitoba, we’re providing a safe and inviting space for children to learn biking skills and offering a wonderful new amenity for all our residents to enjoy.”

For the complete listing of 2024 Trails Manitoba Grant recipients, visit www.trailsmanitoba.ca/grants.

“This trail isn’t just about creating a path; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment for our students and the community,” said Luke Barr, teacher, École Stanley Knowles School. “It will be a safe and exciting place where riders of all ages and abilities can come together to build their skills and connect with the freedom that comes from riding a bicycle.”

“I see this new trail like I see our school bike shop, it welcomes any student, if you’re new or old, you can be a member,” said Ella Quinto, student, École Stanley Knowles School. “I am very excited for the opening of this trail and I hope that those who haven’t found the joy of biking can find it here.”

The Trails Manitoba grant program annually provides new recreational trail opportunities, improves the quality of existing trails through enhancements and provides necessary funding for continued trail maintenance. Eligible applicants include trail associations, municipalities or other not-for-profit groups with means to provide continued stewardship of trails.

To learn about the Manitoba Trails Strategy and Action Plan, visit manitoba.ca.