Government of Canada Invests in Crowsnest Pass Trail System

September 25, 2009

Crowsnest Pass, Alberta – The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass will move forward with the development of the Crowsnest Pass Trail System thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Today, Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced federal funding that will help enhance and further develop a vital recreational infrastructure asset in Crowsnest Pass.

“Linking the communities of Southwest Alberta through a network of trails will enhance opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, bicycling and cross-country skiing,” said Menzies. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is creating immediate jobs and building stronger, healthier communities.”

Funding of $184,400 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass will develop a community-wide pedestrian trail system stretching from the Leitch Collieries Provincial Historic Site to the Tourist Information Building in Sentinel. This system, which is part of a master plan for trails in the area, will strengthen linkages between the communities in the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass and further develop the network of trails in Southwestern Alberta. Once completed, the Crowsnest Community Trail System will provide residents with more outdoor recreational opportunities and also contribute to increased tourism in the area.

“We greatly appreciate the federal contribution toward the development of our trail system, which will increase outdoor activities for the community and attract visitors,” said Dr. John Irwin, Mayor of the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass. “This trail system will be a significant legacy for our community and is an excellent example of the strong partnerships the Crowsnest Pass has with both provincial and federal governments.”
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.

Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West (http://www.wd.gc.ca), or Canada's Economic Action Plan (http://www.actionplan.gc.ca) for more information.