As Manitobans head into the holiday season, they will be able to enjoy a number of improved walking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails through grant funding for 12 organizations across the province, Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt announced Monday.
“Winter activities are vital to helping Manitobans enjoy the cold winter months,” said Schmidt. “Maintaining our extensive multi-use trail system allows Manitobans to make the most of the snow and spend time outdoors with loved ones. This funding supports trail repairs and improvements for off-road vehicle use in Manitoba. It is an important investment to promote active living, environmental stewardship and nature conservation.”
The Manitoba government is announcing nearly $658,000 in grant funding for the following organizations:
- Headingley Grand Trunk Trail Association – $26,280 for walking trail repair;
- Clearwater Lake Outdoor Club – $44,500 for cross-country ski trail repair in Clearwater Lake Provincial Park;
- Local Government District of Pinawa – $29,000 for Alice Chambers Trail rehabilitation project;
- Eastman Snopals Inc. – $100,000 for snowmobile trail rehabilitation in the Lac du Bonnet area;
- Ducks Unlimited Canada – $50,000 for Oak Hammock Marsh trail repair;
- South Interlake Sno Riders Inc. – $90,090 for snowmobile trail rehabilitation;
- North Mountain Riders Inc. – $100,000 for snowmobile trail repair north of Swan River;
- Log Cabin Riders Inc. – $35,000 for snowmobile trail repair in the Interlake;
- Ashern Snowmobile Club 2008 Inc. – $78,000 for snowmobile trail repair;
- Northern Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club Inc. – $90,000 for snowmobile trail rehabilitation in the Interlake;
- Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District – $11,000 for trail repair and enhancements at the Tourond Creek Discovery Centre; and
- Victoria Beach Snowdrifters – $4,000 for snowmobile trail repair.
“Several of our member snowmobile clubs were able to take advantage of this grant program to fix damage to the trail network that occurred in our off-season and that was very beneficial, helping to ensure that our clubs can provide high-quality and safe snowmobile trails,” said Jason Wiebe, president, Snoman Inc. “Our sport brings many economic benefits to rural communities at a time when other tourism activities are slow and we are looking forward to increasing awareness of our vast provincial trail network.”
This funding is supported through an annual fee for registered off-road vehicles, collected by Manitoba Public Insurance at the same time as their annual registration.
In addition, the Manitoba government is announcing it will declare a new Manitoba Winter Trails Day to be celebrated on Feb. 8, 2025, the minister said.
“We hope Manitoba Winter Trails Day will inspire all Manitobans to explore the variety of ski trails in our province and discover, or rediscover, a love for cross country skiing this winter,” said Karin McSherry, executive director of the Cross-Country Ski Association of Manitoba.
“Proclaiming Manitoba Winter Trails Day will support the promotion and awareness of Manitoba’s incredible winter trails and activities, celebrate partners across the province who build and maintain the trails, and encourage Manitobans to spend quality time outdoors with family and friends,” said Schmidt.
Manitoba’s free provincial park entry in the month of February further removes barriers to enjoy trails across the province on that important day, the minister noted.
