Manitoba winter trails getting makeovers
Posted December 16, 2024 12:08 pm.
For those braving the outdoors in the new year, the provincial government is highlighting improvements made to many of Manitoba’s trail systems to ensure people can stay active even as the temperatures drop.
Whether you’re walking, biking, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, the province has provided several organizations with thousands in grants to make that ice-cold journey a little easier.
“Winter activities are vital to helping Manitobans enjoy the cold winter months,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt in a news release.
“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 spending by the government will see $658,000 in grants distributed to 12 organizations, including the North Mountain Riders Inc. getting $100,000 for snowmobile trail repairs north of Swan River; $45,000 for the Clearwater Lake Outdoor Club for cross-country ski trail repairs; and $50,000 for trail repair at Oak Hammock Marsh through Ducks Unlimited.
“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 of Snoman Inc. in the release.
“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.”
The province also announced that Feb. 8, 2025, will officially be declared Manitoba Winter Trails Day, with free provincial park access the entire month to encourage residents across the region to take advantage of the pristine trail systems.
