Member Report
Harte Trail
Our popular trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail and runs through a narrow strip of wilderness on an old railway bed after the Prairie Dogs historic last run . The path is intersected by half a dozen streets of Charleswood . Its name is taken from the Harte Line , the first section of Grand Trunk Pacific Railway built in western Canada in 1894 .
We are taking on the Mayors challenge to plant trees . We have had 5 tree plants so far . For our Spring 2019 Tree Plant we celebrated International Trails Day by planting 81 trees , with help from our community volunteers , City Parks staff and members of the Green Team .
We saw huge success with a donation of 100 trees in celebration of CN ’ s 100th birthday ; planted by volunteers of Friends of the Harte Trail , other trail organizations , CN retirees , community members and Green Team .
We are now planning towards our 2020 Spring tree plant , we are currently working with multiple partners in donations and support , we will announce our official partner shortly .
There are 2 map / interpretive signs at the start and end of the Harte Trail , one missing from the stand , one weathered . We have been working with Kevin Klien our councilor who has been very supportive and announced recently the approval for 2 new signs . We will work with his team in the Spring of 2020 moving the signs to a more appropriate site , as they currently face south and will not withstand the sun . Another item the City and Kevin have been great with , our Trail is now on Priority 1 snow clearing , its accessible to everyone year round . Over 9 ’ wide in portions , it allows everyone to get out in the winter months , to roll , walk , bike or jog .
Our strategic plan will be finalized in Q1-Q2 of 2020 , fundraising is part this plan , we are looking for corporate partners who want to give back to the community , who have a vision that relates to our short and long term goals . Parts of this plan , connecting the Grand Trunk Trail to the Harte Trail over the perimeter highway , renewing the Van Roon Garden including an overhead shelter / permanent structure , adding recycling bins and more trash bins , marking off and protecting endangered prairie grass land , as well as a bringing a natural pond into our Trail , funding for our own trail counter and much more !
Annual Report -2019 Year in Review p . 19