MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Time has flown by since our last AGM a year ago which was held at
the Inn at the Forks. Since that time in keeping with the Canada 150
celebrations Manitoba celebrated the 100% “connectivity” of the Great
Trail across Canada on August 26, 2018 In advance of the cross Canada
celebrations Trail Groups from across Canada had convened in Ottawa at
Trans Canada Trails’ trail conference. The forum was an excellent oppor-
tunity to meet with other trail groups, and to share perspectives on the
challenges faced by other trail builders across Canada.
It was a wonderful learning experience which provided differing perspec-
tives on the realities of trail construction in challenging Canadian geogra-
phy too often with limited financial resources. As your Executive Director,
I met with and/or rode many of the trails in the province. It was a very
valuable “in the field experience” meeting with Manitoba trail builders and
to more fully appreciate the hard work of our volunteers. It was a wonder-
ful opportunity to explore diverse terrain including the Blue Highway in
South Whiteshell built over challenging Canadian Shield, the trails extend-
ing from Seven Sisters Dam to the Pinawa town site and riding with fellow
bikers from Balsam Bay to Grand Beach along Lake Winnipeg.
Much work is yet to be accomplished if the dream of the Great Trail to be
realized as the “Longest and Grandest trail in the World.” In 2017 in
keeping with this goal the Federal Government announced an additional
round of $30 million would be made available for trail development across
Canada. Over 300 applications were received by Trans Canada Trails from
across Canada. A trail network consisting of over 24,000 kilometers is a
daunting intergenerational challenge which requires sustainable long term
funding for trail development and on-going maintenance. In order to
receive funding for capital improvements Manitoba applicants were
encouraged to submit applications by September 30, 2017.
Steve Demmings
Executive Director
Annual Report -2017 Year in Review
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