Trail Map Available.

It's hot off the presses! Make tracks...and pick up a copy of a new map of the recreation trails of Thunder Bay. The Thunder Trail has partnered with the City of Thunder Bay's Parks Division, the "Take Heart Coalition", Thunder Bay Safe Communities and the Lakehead Regional Conservation Authority to make this map a reality.

"Thunder Bay has wonderful recreation trails for those looking to walk, run, hike, in-line skate or bike," says Parks Division Manager Dwight Gessie. "This new map will help citizens and visitors take full advantage of our excellent trails".

The map comes with information on stretching and safety as well as tips on getting started with a walking program. A contact list of local "active" clubs and organizations is included and should be a helpful feature. The map also outlines the route the Trans Canada Trail takes through the city. The maps are available at: The Community Services Department Offices in the Victoriaville Centre, City Hall and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.

Thunder Trail Planner's Report

by: Tom Loghrin, September 2001 Newsletter

We are on the verge of some exciting times for the Thunder Trail. We have begun some trail work, have put signs up along the trail, and have begun to look closely at funding proposals. On March 27, 2001 I attended a day long Trails Symposium in Sudbury hosted by "Rainbow Routes" (their regional trail group). Those involved in trail building across Northern Ontario attended. Our task was to come up with recommendations to the Ontario Government for a Provincial Trails policy. 

It was an enlightening meeting in many ways, but the most exciting news by far came when a Northern Ontario Heritage Fund representative announced the "Capital Assistance for Northern Trails Program." This fund was put in place to support the tourism sector and sounded like it was tailor-made for our Thunder Trail! We winged our way back home in Bearskin's giant cigar wondering about the possibilities. The deadline for the stage 1 proposal was only 1 month away. The month flew by with endless hours of telephone conversations and emails with government representatives, trail partner groups and potential suppliers of material and equipment. Unfortunately there was just not enough time to pull an application together. On the positive side, we now have a comprehensive plan with which to move forward.

We will begin the incorporation process and better realize the costs associated with trail building. Our list of contacts is longer and we are ready for the next time funding opportunities arise.

John Bellini (President and C.E.O. of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation) visited Thunder Bay for the first time on July 31, 2001. Accompanied by Anthony Sharpe, Regional Coordinator for the Trail Discovery Program, they also met with local trail builders in Ignace and Kenora. They introduced the exciting "Trans Canada Trail Discovery Program". Bellini acknowledged the distinct challenges facing Northwestern Ontario in building the Trans Canada Trail. He also thanked the Thunder Trail volunteers for their dedication.