MOOSE JAW — The Trans Canada Trail organization has opened applications to 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 Jawcan receive funding for projects focused on trail infrastructure and major repairs, greenway development and minor maintenance with a deadline of Friday, December 20.

“Our local partners are at the heart of the Trans Canada Trail,” announced Stacey Dakin, Trans Canada Trail Program Director.

“We are fortunate to work with so many passionate groups across the country, many of which are entirely volunteer-run, to maintain and improve the trail,” she said. “The projects we support may happen at the local level, but together they help build a strong national trail system for today’s and tomorrow’s generations.

The Trans-Canada Trail spans 29,000 kilometers and reaches every Canadian province and territory with more than 600 sections of locally managed trails. In Moose Jaw, the trail includes a 10 kilometer section from Coteau Street East 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, managing and defending Canada’s national trail system, an official release states.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, the Trans Canada Trail organization has provided more than $5.3 million in funding to more than 500 trail groups. Approved projects included the construction of new trail sections and access points, trail resurfacing, invasive species management, environmental assessments and planning, and the installation of safety features including lighting, guardrails and accessibility measures.

Approved trail improvement projects also include those that focus on accessibility and inclusion, support for climate emergencies, tree planting, signage and trail destination development.

Funding is also available for Indigenous communities and groups through a Trails Support Program for First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. There is also a national youth employment program available from the organization.

Earlier in May, the Wakamow Valley Authority, using program funds, completed maintenance tasks on Moose Jaw’s trail system, including tree trimming, general trail cleaning and installation of track rails. safety at a low level crossing. Over the years, this funding has allowed the trail keeper to repaint signposts, fill potholes along the trail and open seasonal restrooms.

Trail groups that are part of the Trans Canada Trail system can learn more about available funding sources and can request assistance online at TCTrail.ca.

To view an interactive map of the entire Trans Canada Trail online, visit TTCrail.ca/Explore-the-map.