*Province to fund projects to improve, develop trails *

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/2022/08/15/province-to-fund-p...

THE provincial government will fund 30 projects to improve and develop trails across Manitoba.

The province announced Friday it will spend nearly $970,000 on projects approved through the Trails Manitoba grant program. The annual grant program supports the development of new recreational trails, and maintenance, enhancements and amenities for existing trails.

“This investment is being made in communities across the province, benefitting all Manitobans as well as visitors here,” Trails Manitoba president Erik Dickson said. “We’re very happy for this project.”

More than 70 non-profit groups and municipalities applied for trail funding during the 2022 intake, Dickson said.

Assiniboine Forest will be among the first recipients, with a $50,000 investment in trail navigation enhancements and increased signage.

Other funded projects include the Wally Chryplywy Nature Park trail enhancement in Beausejour, Squirrel Hills Trail Park in the Minnedosa area, and the Victoria Park trail extension and stairs project in Souris.

Approved projects are expected to be completed within two years.

The funds, which come from a $10-million provincial investment, are intended to support trails that facilitate both motorized and non-motorized recreational activities. By 2025, half of the $10 million will finance development projects, while the other half will remain in a longterm fund to generate annual revenue and pay for ongoing maintenance and enhancements.

Trails Manitoba conducted a pair of province-wide surveys to decide which projects would qualify for funding. It released its findings in a report Friday.

More than 2,000 people participated in the survey, with more than half indicating they lived in Winnipeg. Respondents identified inadequate signage as the most significant issue on Manitoba’s trails.

Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton announced the funding alongside Dickson and other stakeholders during a press event at Assiniboine Forest.

“Our government is committed to continued building, maintaining and expanding the trails network,” Wharton said. “This report will help guide the developments… across Manitoba for the years ahead.”

A full list of the 2022 grant recipients is available on the Trails Manitoba website.

tyler.searle@freepress.mb.ca