In partnership with Trails Manitoba, the Manitoba government is investing $7 million to support the creation, maintenance and enhancement of active transportation trails across the province and within the city of Winnipeg.
“Get outside and explore Manitoba – there is no better place to be and no better time to explore our beautiful province,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “Our government is proud to partner with Trails Manitoba and The Winnipeg Foundation to ensure our trails and pathways are more safe and accessible for all users, for many generations to come.”
There are more than 1,700 kilometres of active transportation trails throughout the province. The Manitoba government has created three funds that will be managed by Trails Manitoba and held in trust by The Winnipeg Foundation.
“This investment by the province will allow us to leverage support for many trail projects throughout Manitoba,” said Erik Dickson, president, Trails Manitoba. “It provides the financial stability to ensure our organization is sustainable and able to continue supporting the construction and maintenance of recreational trails while improving our province’s trail offerings and ensuring their long-term viability for future generations to enjoy.”
The $1-million Trails Manitoba Operating Endowment Fund will serve as ongoing operating funding for Trails Manitoba. The $4-million Manitoba Trails Improvement Endowment Fund will support annual application based grants to create new trails or improve existing ones. The third fund, a $2-million Manitoba Trails Strategic Fund, is designed to support capital projects that advance recreational trail development in Winnipeg and will be distributed as matching grants.
“We know that Manitobans took advantage of our trail system in record numbers this year and we want to ensure we continue to support this type of outdoor recreation opportunity,” said Municipal Relations Minister Rochelle Squires. “Whether it’s commuting to and from work or escaping the city for a country hike or ride, today’s announcement ensures there will be more trails for all Manitobans to use and enjoy well into the future.”
Eligible projects will be those that provide new trail opportunities, either be creating a new trail or extending an existing one, improve the quality of the trail network, or provide maintenance or trail beautification. Trails Manitoba will have more information on eligibility and project criteria in the coming weeks.
