Help Connect the Shores
MATR is excited to announce that our organization will assist South Whiteshell Trail Association in addressing its funding gap for their build phase of the Connect The Shores project.
Earlier this year, the South Whiteshell Trail Association (SWTA), in conjunction with Manitoba Parks and First Nations, unveiled an exciting project: The creation of a new trail winding through the wilderness and diverse landscapes at the east end of Falcon Lake which would connect the shores, creating a full loop around the lake.
Donation matching
To make the most of our modest resources, MATR launched a donation-matching initiative of up to $2,500.
MATR made the announcement at our annual Ultimate Trail of Manitoba Awards night on November 2, 2024, where the organization invited Caleigh Christie and Sasha Harder from SWTA to make a short presentation to the audience about their work.
This means that MATR will match donations made by our members, effectively doubling the impact of your contributions. Together, we aim to raise a total of $5,000 on behalf of trail runners.
While MATR operates on a small budget, helping to create safe and sustainable trail infrastructure that is multi-use in our province is a key part of our mission. Supporting the development of this non-motorized mixed-use trail is aligns with our core mission.
As of November 4, MATR members had already donated $1,740 following the announcement just two days earlier. SWTA is has registered charity status and can offer tax receipts for donations over $20.
Building a new trail takes time
After four years of behind the scenes work, SWTA has reached the actual trail building stage.
Having completed phase 1 of their project to upgrade existing trail infrastructure in the fall of 2024, SWTA is currently in phase 2 of their project and has already added 10 kilometres of the new trail during late summer and fall of 2024. The work has been completed with the expertise of a trail builder with experience in low impact construction techniques leading the work.
As an organization, MATR assisted with adding signage in the early stages of the building phase and collaborated with SWTA on our our trail work day in May of 2024.
The cost of this trail project is significant, totalling over $500,000, which includes impact studies and archaeological surveys, upgrades, signage, and new trail construction. SWTA received a number large matching grants from the Trans Canad Trail and Trails Manitoba, along with private donations and granite bench sales, for the second phase of this project. However, the organization has a $115,000 shortfall. They need to raise more private donations to complete this phase, which is where MATR saw an opportunity to leverage our reach to support the project through donation matching.
About the trail expansion
The new section of trail will be designated as a non-motorized shared use hiking/running and biking trail. This trail offers adventurers the chance to experience diverse landscapes, set away from the shoreline and cottage development, fostering a sense of wilderness exploration.
Stretching over 16 km, the trail features a wide range of scenery and more physically challenging terrain, providing an exhilarating experience for users. It will be an ideal option for those seeking a backcountry adventure while remaining close to amenities. The design aims to strike the perfect balance between sustainable practices and minimal environmental impact, both during the construction phase and beyond.
Read more about the project and make a donation.
If you’re a MATR member, please email a copy of your receipt to info at matr.ca to have your donation matched.