Pictured Above, Ryan Bishop, Greg Rickford, MP-Kenora, Dan Bishop, Paul Forsyth, Eric Lovering, Joel Arseneault, Claude Arseneault and Coel Forsyth at the Sunset Trail Riders Poker Derby starting point, Sunday, March 8, 2009

March 8, 2009 - KENORA, ON
“More families, outdoor enthusiasts and tourists will be able to enjoy Canada’s outdoor heritage thanks to the Conservative government’s job-creating investment in safer, more accessible trails across Canada,” said local MP Greg Rickford.

“Outdoor activities that allow people to take in our beautiful landscape are reasons why people choose to live in Northwestern Ontario. Winter activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ATVing and snowmobiling use Canada’s trail networks to get us into the heart of our amazing outdoors.  Staying active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, other times of the year we use similar trail networks for walking, running, and cycling; these trails enrich the health and enjoyment of countless Canadians,” said Rickford. “As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to create jobs and help our economy, our government is designating $25 million to build and improve these wonderful outdoor resources.”

In order to provide the most rapid economic benefit possible during this challenging economic time, funding will go to shovel ready projects that are set to break ground in 2009-2010.

This investment in Canada’s outdoor heritage will create jobs, put money into the local economy, and help to attract more tourists to Kenora.  This is why it is critical for the opposition to pass the Conservative government’s economic stimulus package and get the work on the trails moving as soon as possible.

What trails are eligible? Trails will be considered as they apply for funding. There are already over 800 trails nominated for improvements by the National Trails Coalition.

What kind of work will be considered? Improvements will be considered as per the applications and can include, but are not limited to: excavations, bridges, retaining walls, signage, safety improvements, clearing of trails and environmental assessments and land surveys.

How many trails will be used for motorized and non-motorized vehicles? The National Trails Coalition has proposed equally dividing the trails among the major stakeholders. While the final decision has not yet been made, we are focusing on getting these trail projects moving now and getting the work done.

“Not only will this funding help more Canadian families and tourists explore Canada’s natural splendour, it will also inject needed stimulus into communities like ours right across the country.” said Rickford

National Trails Coalition Chairman Terry Norman has called the investment “a major boost to all forms of trail-based tourism and recreational activities."