Trails need caring for, and the world’s longest needs an equally long line of volunteers for its 29,000 km route. To make that happen, Trans Canada Trail (TCT) is awarding $269,250 to 221 trail groups across Canada as part of its annual Trail Care Grant program.
The Trail Care Grant program opens each spring—as trail building and stewardship groups prep for the summer-fall busy seasons—and has supported thousands of volunteers in its five-year history. TCT awards the grants (up to $1,500 each) for many aspects of trail care including clean-up, debris removal, art installation, maintenance or volunteer appreciation.
“These grants support the Trail where it really counts—at the local level. Trail groups can decide what their community needs most, while making their mark on this incredible national trail network,” says Mathieu Roy, CEO of TCT. “It is inspiring to see such strong interest in a nationwide effort to care for the Trail that connects us all.”
Here’s a rundown on the grants awarded from coast to coast to coast:
Alberta: $22,750
British Columbia: $22,750
Manitoba: $20,250
New Brunswick: $19,000
Newfoundland and Labrador: $12,750
Northwest Territories: $2,500
Nova Scotia: $39,500
Ontario: $68,000
Prince Edward Island: $2,500
Quebec: $30,250
Saskatchewan: $25,000
Yukon: $4,000
The funds aim to improve more than just the trails themselves. A 2023 report shows that communities along TCT see major economic and other benefits. Each year, trail users spend upwards of an estimated $13 billion for services and at businesses along their route. And broadly speaking, trail activity supports at least 220,000 jobs across Canada.
In addition to the Trail Care Grant, the TCT helps fund projects across the country, from maintenance to accessibility and inclusion initiatives to climate emergency support. TCT also offers a Trails Support Program for First Nation, Métis and Inuit Communities and a National Youth Employment Program.
The Trail Care program will culminate on June 1 with a national Trail Care Day when volunteers will slather on the bug dope and get their hands dirty improving their local trail.
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