THUNDER BAY — The hard work of a group of dedicated volunteers developing a new trail network in the Thunder Bay region has paid off.
The Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association is now officially recognized by Trans Canada Trail as an affiliated trail organization and partner.
"I can't tell you how excited we are to get to this stage," trail association president Len Day said.
Membership in the national body brings several benefits — most importantly eligibility to apply for funding to offset the cost of constructing, maintaining and installing signs for the Shabaqua Trail and the proposed Kakabeka Falls Trail.
"This is huge," Day said. "We have worked hard over the past several years to get this designation. There is no question how recognizable a brand Trans Canada Trail is across Canada and throughout the world, and that affiliation will help to put the Thunder Bay region on the map in terms of increasing tourism opportunities for our area."
He added that reaching this milestone is testament to the hard work and commitment of the group's volunteers.
Day also expressed gratitude to area municipalities that have supported the trail association's multi-phase plan for 500 kilometres of non-motorized trails between Nipigon, Atikokan and Pigeon River.
In August, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry issued a permit for work on the Crown land portion of the first stage, a 52-kilometre trail from Kakabeka Falls to Shabaqua.
To date, about 42 kilometres has been cleared of brush and signed with wayfinder markers.
The route at Highway 590 and Sovereign Road in O'Connor, then heads northwest to Shabaqua.
The group is still investigating which of two options is more feasible for finalizing the route of the trail's remaining 10 kilometres.
The group is trying to reuse existing old roads and trails wherever possible, then linking them with shorter connector trails.
"This substantially reduces trail construction costs, minimizes added impact on the forest, while providing an efficient way of adding distance. It's a win-win scenario and greatly minimizes our footprint," Day said.
The Shabaqua Trail is expected to have its official opening by the middle of next year.
Stage two will see a 30-kilometre trail between Kakabeka Falls and Thunder Bay.
The trail association has had initial discussions with Oliver Paipoonge and the City of Thunder Bay about the route, and Day said the group hopes to receive a positive response soon.
