Manitoba families, residents and visitors will soon have access to expanded and improved snowmobile trails, thanks to support from the Government of Canada through the National Trails Coalition and the Province of Manitoba in partnership with Snoman (Snomobilers of Manitoba). The announcement was made by Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship.
“Today is a celebration of snowmobiling and we want people to enjoy the opportunities for outdoor recreation all across our great province,” said Minister Mackintosh. “We support a safe trail system and appreciate the substantial economic benefit to rural businesses in the winter.”
Canada has a vast network of recreational trails that allow Canadians to experience the outdoors and appreciate this country’s natural beauty. Through the partnership between the Government of Canada and the National Trails Coalition (NTC), $10 million has been made available between 2014 and 2016 to help expand and rehabilitate Canada’s snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle and non-motorized trail system.
“Our government is pleased to support Snoman with a National Trails Coalition contribution of $183,040 as part of our efforts to expand and improve recreational and multi-purpose trails across the country,” said MP Sopuck. “By investing in trail infrastructure, our government is encouraging job creation, linking communities and increasing recreational opportunities for Canadians. Through this commitment, we are continuing to support economic growth from coast to coast to coast while ensuring that Canadian communities remain among the best in the world to live.”
Today’s project announcement of $366,080 is just one of many examples of supported projects that will positively impact Canadian communities. Manitoba trails will benefit from a number of measures designed to increase trail safety including trail clearing and widening, twinning in
high-traffic areas and new signage. These projects will ensure access to Manitoba’s unique scenery while generating economic growth and creating jobs.
“Snoman and its 52 clubs are pleased to partner with the federal and provincial governments in this investment in the trail system in Manitoba,” said Alan Butler, president of Snoman. “We support the idea of healthy living through recreation, including a healthy environment. This support will enable us to promote community enhancement, family activity, ecologically friendly practices, economic sustainability and the adoption of new and safer technologies.”
“The NTC was founded in the belief that trail users and volunteer trail builders/managers can achieve much more working collaboratively and supporting each other’s goals,” said Jo-Anne Farquhar, president and chair, board of directors, the National Trails Coalition. “These additional funds will ensure the revitalization of recreational trails across our country and provide individuals and families with the opportunity to enjoy quality outdoor infrastructure and continue to live active and healthy lives.”
NTC funding helps build and renew multi-purpose trails for walking, running, cross-country skiing, biking, all-terrain vehicle use and snowmobiling. This snowmobile trail improvement project will join as many as 200 National Trails Coalition projects across Canada.
