Blind River and Mississauga First Nation (MFN) are looking to formalize an agreement with Trans Canada Trail in a bid to better secure potential grants for the trail the two communities have been working to maintain and improve.
The agreement, according to the town’s director of facilities and community services Karen Bittner, would allow for the communities to market the trail system and permit the two to apply for funding to offset trail maintenance and possibly pay for further improvements.
The agreement would also, “ensure an asset is sustained for year-round use (cycling, walking, running, and skiing),” Bittner said in a report to council at its regular Monday evening meeting.
Seeking a mutually beneficial partnership has been in the works for two-and-a-half years by the Blind River Development Corporation and staff of both municipalities.
Both communities recognize the value of their shared trail system and how expanding an already-existing partnership will reduce burden on both community budgets. Both communities have strategic plans that highlight use of existing assets, green tourism, and recreation-based assets.
“This partnership will not displace any existing users. It will enhance the space through new/updated signage, access to funding for trail remediation, as well, expand marketing reach,” Bittner said, at no additional cost to Blind River or MFN.