Trans Canada Trail Foundation

The Trans Canada Trail Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to stewarding, advocating, and championing Canada's nationwide trail system. It is the largest investor in trail infrastructure projects in Canada, supporting improvements, growth, and enhancements for generations to come.

About the Trail

The Trans Canada Trail (TCT) is the longest multi-use trail system in the world, spanning over 28,000 kilometers and connecting three oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic.[5] It reaches every province and territory in Canada, providing a network of greenways, waterways, and roadways that support diverse activities and community needs.[2][3]

Role and Mission

Trans Canada Trail Foundation serves as a key organization in promoting, developing, and maintaining this vast trail network. Its mission is to lead, develop, and steward an accessible nationwide system of connected urban and rural trails through collaboration and partnerships.[2] The foundation provides leadership, guidance, funding, resources, outreach, and engagement to support the trail's development and utilization.[2]

Strategic Priorities

To achieve its mission, the Trans Canada Trail Foundation focuses on several strategic priorities:

• Connecting Communities: Bringing people together to connect with nature and foster Indigenous reconciliation.
• Developing a Lasting Trail: Protecting and enhancing the trail's quality and resilience for future generations.
• Fostering a Thriving Trail Sector: Supporting trail organizations in securing resources to manage and extend Canadian trails.
• Facilitating Outdoor Experiences: Working with partners to animate trails, educate about trail benefits, and promote active transportation.[2]

Governance and Funding

The organization is a registered charity governed by a board of directors. It receives funding from the Government of Canada (through Parks Canada), provincial and municipal governments, and contributions from corporate and individual donors.[2]

History and Development

The idea for the Trans Canada Trail was conceived during Canada's 125th anniversary celebrations in 1992. The trail system is developed, owned, and managed locally by various community groups, conservation authorities, municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal governments. Much of the trail utilizes repurposed defunct rail lines donated by Canadian railways, similar to the Rails-to-Trails initiative in the United States.[4]

Impact and Participation

Thousands of Canadians, including community partners, corporations, local businesses, and all levels of government, are involved in developing and maintaining these trails. The Trans Canada Trail Foundation does not own or operate any section of the trail directly; instead, it supports the collaborative efforts across Canada.[4]

Programs and Partnerships

The foundation is committed to providing quality trail experiences by enhancing infrastructure, promoting tourism, and ensuring inclusivity and safety. It collaborates with numerous partners from coast to coast to support these efforts through sponsored programs and co-branded initiatives.[5]