The Government of Canada announced earlier this month that it will support the development of multi-use trails in Neepawa with an investment of up to $550,000.
Denis Saquet, manager of operations for the Town of Neepawa, says that they're always delighted to see funding come their way.
"It's a great opportunity for us to expand our already existing trail network, so it'll give us the opportunity to expand additional trails. We're always pleased and excited to work with the federal government on these projects," he adds.
According to Saquet, Neepawa's existing trail network contains roughly five kilometres worth of trails and they're looking to expand it by another two kilometres.
Saquet says that they are currently in the process of conducting First Nation consultations as required by the federal government.
"We have some consultations going on now with the Manitoba Métis Federation... just to ensure that we've done all our due diligence with them," he adds.
Saquet went on to say that the consultations have been going well so far and that they're aiming to make the trails available during all four seasons.
"Our target is definitely more of the summer three seasons, there, but we're aiming and targeting to... get a winter season in place. Our facility site's just not as conducive or as friendly for winter use at this time just because it was a borrow pit as part of our construction site, so it's quite barren. [However], a big effort of this will be the revegetation of the site and we're hopeful and optimistic that once the revegetation occurs, we'll see more winter use," he adds.
According to a news release from the federal government, in the summer, the trails will be available for cycling and walking, and in the winter, the trails will be used for fat biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
It also says that this project will provide more options for residents of Neepawa and the surrounding area to stay active and enjoy nature year-round and that the Town of Neepawa is also contributing $137,500 towards eligible costs for the project.
Denis Saquet expects construction to begin in 2023.
