Grant Helps Improve Trans-Canada Trail in Wakamow Valley, Moose Jaw
As a recipient of the Trans Canada Trail Care Grant Program, the Wakamow Valley Authority has been chosen for this year’s annual initiative. For the past five years, funds have been provided to improve various sections of the Trans Canada Trail, allowing trail care groups to apply for support for maintenance activities or volunteer efforts.
This grant was announced in January, with applications closing in February. In this year’s application, Wakamow Valley (located in Moose Jaw) outlined their project, which includes tree trimming, general trail clean-up, and the installation of safety rails at a low-level crossing.
The groups receiving funding were announced in April, awarding 221 grants across Canada, totaling $269,250 for trail care. Saskatchewan alone received 20 grants, totaling $25,000, approximately $1,250 per site.
This grant has supported many aspects of trail maintenance, including cleaning debris, painting signposts, picking up litter, filling potholes, cutting back brush, raking leaves, and opening seasonal bathrooms. Another purpose of this grant is to show appreciation for the invaluable volunteers.
June 1 is being recognized as Canada’s Trail Care Day, coinciding with International Trails Day. The Trail Care Grant Program hopes that groups will hold their activities on this day to celebrate and appreciate the trails.
Last year, Wakamow used its funds to hold a Trail Clean-up and Community Gathering on June 3, 2023. Approximately 15 volunteers, board members, and representatives from the Mosaic Potash Company met at Wakamow Valley to clean up the trail by picking up trash and clearing debris. After the clean-up, the volunteers and attendees celebrated with a barbecue.
The Trans Canada Trail is the longest recreational trail in the world, spanning over 28,000 km on land and water. It links the three oceans and connects 15,000 rural, urban, and Indigenous communities across every province and territory.