News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

September 4, 2020

Manitoba Government Joins Partners to Invest More Than $325,000 in Trails for Healthy Active Living

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Trails in Whiteshell Provincial Park Enhanced Through Innovative Re-use of Pedestrian Bridges: Ministers

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The Manitoba government and a number of partners are jointly investing more than $325,000 to enhance a trail network in Whiteshell Provincial Park with an adaptive re-use of twin pedestrian bridges that were once installed in Winnipeg, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard and Municipal Relations Minister Rochelle Squires announced today. 
 
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to find ways to enjoy the great outdoors, and this investment enhances the accessibility of hiking trails,” said Guillemard. “This support will allow families more opportunities to explore our beautiful province while encouraging active and healthy lifestyles.”
 
Once fixtures in King’s Park in south Winnipeg, the two red wooden pedestrian spans have been refurbished and installed at Hanson’s Creek and Cabin Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park in a project spearheaded by Trails Manitoba and Trans Canada Trail. 
 
“Whether in the city or in our provincial parks and wilderness areas, Manitobans know how fortunate we are to live in a place with such diverse opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Squires. “Our government is proud to work with our municipal partners, Trails Manitoba and Trans Canada Trail, to invest in our province’s trail network and improve the quality of life for Manitobans.”
 
The Manitoba government has committed $195,000 toward the $327,650 project. The remainder of the cost has been shared by Trails Manitoba and Trans Canada Trail, as well as through a significant donation from contractor Pier Solutions.
 
The government’s financial contribution to the project is part of a larger $500,000 investment announced in April for constructing and improving trails in provincial parks. The ministers noted that the government is committed to continue building, maintaining and expanding Manitoba’s trail network in partnership with volunteer and community organizations.
 
“We are delighted to have played a role in this wonderful project, which breathed new life into two wooden bridges and reinstalled them in the spectacular surroundings of Whiteshell Provincial Park,” said Eleanor McMahon, president and CEO, Trans Canada Trail. “We would like to thank the government of Manitoba for this important investment, which represents a clear signal of its commitment to and appreciation of the multi-faceted value of trails in our daily lives – from preserving nature and heritage to enhancing the physical and mental health of Manitobans – and we are grateful to our provincial partner, Trails Manitoba, for its leadership.”
 
“During this period of uncertainty, recreational trails have seen unprecedented activity as restrictions have inspired Manitobans to further explore their province,” said Erik Dickson, president, Trails Manitoba. “By highlighting investments in our trails and celebrating these achievements, we draw attention to our beautiful province, and promote healthy and active living.”
 
Pier Solutions removed the bridges from King’s Park in 2017 before the company refurbished and installed them in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Upon fabrication and completion of the footings, the components of the bridges were transported to a staging area and then brought by helicopter to their new sites. 
 
“The refurbishment, transport and installation of the bridges at Hanson’s Creek and Cabin Lake truly demonstrate the collaborative priorities of the project team,” said Jeana Manning, principal, Pier Solutions. “By working together, we overcame significant obstacles, ultimately providing Manitobans with two of the most cost-effective and picturesque pedestrian spans in Manitoba.”
 
Short videos of the transport and installation of the bridges are online at https://youtu.be/7wdYLoldbQM (Cabin Lake) and https://youtu.be/gs_f9qOtUW0 (Hanson’s Creek).
 
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