Message from the Executive Director
This past year has been a very eye-opening and inspiring year for me as a new member to this organization . It ’ s been a year of learning , connecting , and collaborating with users , designers , builders , maintainers , funders & partners .
Due to COVID-19 physical distancing restrictions , the AGM was held virtually . I was very happy to see the representation from across the province – from our Provincial Government to TCT to Parks , Travel Manitoba , Winnipeg Foundation , Trail Groups , individual members , trail users and of our course our own Board of Directors and staff .
2019 was a successful year for work on our trails . In 2019 we saw a lot of continued maintenance to include trail resurfacing and signage upgrades ; geocaches ; parking lots & trail amenities ; tree planting ; sustainability plans being completed ; marketing initiatives ; mountain bike trail expansions and the designing of a bike skills course ; a trail ‘ causeway ’; and bridges being installed .
Creativity continues to be a big asset for our group – helicopters were contracted to get materials to otherwise remote and inaccessible areas ; again – a testament to those who continue to push the boundary of possible .
Trails MB has two trail counters which we strive to deploy on a continual basis . Last year was a learning year for us . Upon completion of the Hanson ’ s Creek Bridge project on the Centennial Trail , a counter was installed to count foot traffic , and gave us some promising data . For those that are unaware , this location is quite remote and rugged . Upon completion , there was an effort to share the excitement of this project on Social Media . In the subsequent 3 months of being installed , we saw approx . 180 people through that area alone ! This may seem low , but I assure you that it is not ! As we continue to become more organized , we hope to use these counters to collect data ahead of projects during the study phase , and post trail improvements . This data will become vital to help build the ongoing economic business case for trail development and maintenance in the province .
Looking to the future , there are a few initiatives to be excited about . First , a Provincial Trails Strategy was recently announced at the Parks & Trails Forum . This will be a first for the province and is a very good sign of things to come . We will share more details as they are released . Next , we have a number of ribbon-cutting events that are being planned for this summer . Dates and details will be dependent on COVID19 restrictions . And finally , we continue to work with and build our relationship with Travel MB . Through this partnership , we will be completing an Innovation Café in the very near future . With their expertise and guidance , this exercise will assist us in our marketing initiatives , which will ultimately increase overall trail usage . We are very thankful for their continued support .
Finally , I would like to say a few words to those who I cannot thank enough . To our Provincial Trails Project Manager – Darcy and team , thank you for all of the hard work that you continue to do for us . I ’ m grateful for the expertise , knowledge , and guidance that you bring to the table . Janette – you are the heart and soul of the Trails MB office . Thank you for being that constant over the past number of years . The Trails MB knowledge and background that you have is invaluable to our organization . And finally , to all of our member Trail Associations – you have all been fantastic . Your persistent dedication to not only build , but to continually improve our trail network is simply amazing . Your shared passion for the outdoors and trail stewardship is inspiring . It ’ s because of you that we have such a robust trail network in the province .
I am very excited to be a part of this organization and to work with each and every one of you . The future of trails is bright . Trails Manitoba is your trail resource . We are here for you ! If you have any questions , concerns , and / or require support , please do reach out to us .
Tim Coffin Executive Director
Annual Report -2019 Year in Review p . 5