Volunteer groups in Ontario are set to receive a significant boost with the announcement of $58,000 in funding from the Trans Canada Trail’s Ontario trail grants. The funding, part of the national Trail Care Grant Program, will support a variety of community-driven projects aimed at maintaining and improving sections of the Trans Canada Trail throughout Ontario.
The Trail Care program is designed to encourage local volunteer engagement, providing funding for initiatives such as trail maintenance, cleanups, tree planting, and accessibility enhancements. In 2025, these grants will fund several key projects, helping to preserve and improve the 29,000-kilometre Trans Canada Trail, which stretches across the entire country.
This year’s grants will support a wide range of initiatives. These include tree planting efforts along the Lake Huron Route of the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail, annual spring maintenance on the Caledon Trailway, and the construction of an accessible picnic area in Thessalon. In Sudbury, volunteers will organize a cleanup event on the Junction Creek Waterway Park Trail, while the Cataraqui Trail will benefit from much-needed surface improvements, all made possible by these Ontario trail grants.
“The dedication of volunteers is at the heart of the Trans Canada Trail,” said Stacey Dakin, Chief Program Officer at Trans Canada Trail. “These grants empower local trail groups to continue their work in keeping the Trail safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. By expanding their volunteer networks, these groups are helping to get more people involved in this ongoing national project.”
The Ontario trail grants are part of a larger national initiative. In total, $248,250 has been awarded to 222 community organizations across Canada. These grants play an essential role in supporting a wide range of trail maintenance and improvement efforts, from major upgrades to smaller, community-led projects focused on accessibility and sustainability.
The Trans Canada Trail is the world’s longest recreational trail network, and its maintenance relies heavily on the efforts of local volunteers. The Ontario trail grants help fund everything from large infrastructure projects to vital grassroots initiatives, ensuring that the trail remains a valuable resource for hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
With this year’s grants, volunteers across the province will continue their important work of keeping the Trans Canada Trail in excellent condition. Their efforts ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Canada’s landscapes, while also connecting people and communities from coast to coast.
To learn more about upcoming projects or to explore the entire trail network, visit the Trans Canada Trail website, where an interactive map of the 29,000-kilometre trail system is available.
