MOOSE JAW — The Trans Canada Trail organization has opened applications for local trail groups to support hundreds of trail development and maintenance projects across the country in 2025.
These groups, including the Wakamow Valley Authority in Moose Jaw, can receive funding for projects that focus on trail infrastructure and major repairs, greenway development, and minor maintenance with a Friday, Dec. 20 deadline.
“Our local partners are the heart of the Trans Canada Trail,” announced Stacey Dakin, the chief program officer for the Trans Canada Trail.
“We are fortunate to work with so many passionate groups across the country, many of them completely volunteer-run, to maintain and improve the trail,” she said. “The projects we help support may happen on a local level, but together, they help build a strong nationwide trail system for today and future generations.”
The Trans Canada Trail spans 29,000 kilometres and reaches every Canadian province and territory with more than 600 locally managed trail sections. In Moose Jaw, the trail includes a 10 kilometre section running from Coteau St. E. and Eighth Avenue Southeast to Connor Park.
As a national charitable organization, the Trans Canada Trail provides funding and assistance to local groups while advocating for, stewarding, and championing Canada’s national trail system, an official statement reads.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, the Trans Canada Trail organization provided more than $5.3 million in funding to over 500 trail groups. Approved projects have included the construction of new trail sections and access points, resurfacing of pathways, invasive species management, environmental assessments and planning, and the installation of safety features including lighting, guard rails, and accessibility measures.
Approved trail upgrade projects also include those that focus on accessibility and inclusion, climate emergency support, tree planting, signage, and trail destination development.
Funding is also available for Indigenous communities and groups through a Trails Support Program for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities. There is also a National Youth Employment Program available through the organization.
Earlier in May, the Wakamow Valley Authority — using funds from the program — completed maintenance duties on Moose Jaw’s trail network including tree trimming, general trail cleanup, and the installation of safety rails at a low-level crossing. Over the years, this funding has enabled the trail steward to repaint signposts, fill potholes along the pathway, and to open seasonal bathrooms.
Trail groups that are part of the Trans Canada Trail network can learn more about available funding streams and can apply for support online at TCTrail.ca.
To view an interactive map of the full Trans Canada Trail online, visit TCTrail.ca/Explore-The-Map.
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