MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT
T rails Manitoba achieved some significant milestones
this year with the culmination of the Border to Beaches
initiative. The completion of this project, overseen by a
volunteer Board of a not for profit organization is the result
of the many hands of our dedicated staff, tireless project
management team and an army of volunteers who contributed
an immense amount of their personal time.
In addition to the completion of the Border to Beaches
trail, Trails Manitoba is pleased to announce that the Great
Trail in Manitoba is now officially 95% connected with the
remainder of the trail to be completed this year.
Over the past decade Trails Manitoba has been focused
on the connection of the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba.
Because this goal is now being realized, it is prudent that we
look to the future of Trails Manitoba. This is an exciting time
to be a trail enthusiast in Canada. At the Federal level $30
million is being invested in the Trans Canada Trail network
across Canada. Plans are in the works related to trails and
eco-tourism development in Canada. Trails Manitoba will
play an integral role in those plans.
Looking back upon the past year, we saw the departure
of Chris Hall our Executive Director, but were pleased to
welcome Steve Demmings. Steve was able to hit the ground
running with the support of our staff and Trails Manitoba
Board, and steer the good ship Trails Manitoba on a path to
connectivity in time for our Canada Day celebrations.
2016
Board Members
Executive
Acting President/
Vice President
Marissa Zurba
Corporate Secretary
Gwen Coolidge
Treasurer
Shirley Hurst
Directors
Verna Hare
Ian Hughes
Charles Zant
Wayne Arsney
Brent Buss
Howard Skrypnk
Ex Officio:
Ann Marie Hayek
Lastly, it is with regret that the Trails Manitoba Board
bids farewell to one of our long term Board Members; Gwen
Coolidge. Gwen joined the Board many years ago as Chair of
the Border to Beaches Steering Committee and also served as
Secretary of the Board for many years. Gwen’s contribution
as a volunteer with Trails Manitoba Board of Directors is
greatly appreciated by everyone.
Marissa Zurba
Annual Report 2016-Trails Manitoba p.2