BANFF, AB – Residents and visitors in Banff will enjoy enhanced trail connectivity on the Banff Legacy Trail - a leg of the Trans Canada Trail - thanks to a $50,000 grant from the National Trails Coalition. Wild Rose MP Blake Richards announced the grant Thursday, February 12 in Banff.
The grant is from a Government of Canada partnership with the National Trails Coalition that allocated $10 million between 2014 and 2016 to help expand and rehabilitate snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle and non-motorized trail system. Between 150 and 200 projects are expected to be supported across Canada. The National Trails Coalition is responsible for selecting and approving projects.
To improve the transition for users from the Banff Legacy Trail to downtown Banff, the Town will construct approximately 230 metres of paved multi-use trail along Banff Avenue. On peak days, more than 1,000 people travel the Legacy Trail between Banff and Canmore.
“Our Government is pleased to continue its support of the Legacy Trail with a $50,000 contribution through the National Trails Coalition" said Mr. Richards. "By investing in this critical leg of the Trans Canada Trail, our Government is encouraging job creation, linking our mountain communities and increasing recreational opportunities for domestic and international visitors alike."
"Since it opened, the Banff Legacy Trail has been an overwhelming success," said Mayor Karen Sorensen. "It connects the communities in the Bow Valley, provides an outstanding visitor experience and helps us promote active transportation. We are very appreciative of the Government of Canada and National Trail Coalition’s continued support in enhancing this important visitor and community amenity."
The announcement was timely, as Banff Council will consider the draft trails master plan at their next meeting, February 23. The plan was developed to help the Town create a more robust network to support recreational uses, visitor experience, and a more sustainable, active transportation system. The Legacy Trail extension project is an tactic in both the trails and the transportation master plans. For more information, visit banff.ca/recreationplan