MONTREAL, July 6, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - As 2017 and Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation fast approaches, the Trans Canada Trail is delighted to announce growing enthusiasm for its plans to create a truly nationwide stage for birthday celebrations.
Just this year, an additional 112 patriotic Canadians---including such luminaries as Sarah McLachlan, singer, songwriter; Rick Mercer, Star of CBC's Rick Mercer Report; Tom Jackson, actor, singer, activist; and Martin Short, actor, author of I Must Say— have indicated their support for the TCT's bold mission to connect our nation's Trail from coast to coast to coast by 2017.
Municipal, provincial and territorial governments across the country also showed their support for the Trail, with 66 mayors, 11 lieutenant governors and 4 Premiers signing on as TCT Champions.
To see the full list of 168 TCT Champions, please visit www.tctrail.ca or our 2015 special feature in The Globe and Mail.
"We are thrilled to have the support of so many passionate Canadians who believe in the importance of connecting and maintaining our national Trail," says Deborah Apps, TCT President & CEO. "Great countries have great trails. Our goal is to leave a lasting legacy—one that promotes healthy outdoor activity and inspires an enduring love for our majestic landscapes, as well as an appreciation for the natural world."
Just this year, the Trans Canada Trail added nearly 1,300 kilometres to its network of multipurpose recreational trail, bringing its connection to 80%.
"There is an unwritten understanding shared by Canadians—our vast, rugged and beautiful country binds us together with a responsibility to nurture this land for generations to come. The Trans Canada Trail is the thread to pull our country's hearts together from coast to coast to coast." Bonnie Brooks, Vice Chair, Hudson's Bay Company.
The Trans Canada Trail promotes six preferred recreational activities: walking/hiking, cycling, paddling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Once fully connected, the TCT will span nearly 24,000 kilometres from coast to coast to coast.
Trail Connection by Province/Territory:
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 100%
- Prince Edward Island: 100%
- Nova Scotia: 38%
- New Brunswick: 61%
- Quebec: 97%
- Ontario: 73%
- Manitoba: 92%
- Saskatchewan: 71%
- Alberta: 59%
- British Columbia: 80%
- Northwest Territories: 99%
- Yukon: 99%
- Nunavut: 99%
About the Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail is a nation-building project being realized by provincial and territorial Trail groups across the country. Currently 80 per cent connected, the TCT is on a bold mission to fully connect our national Trail by 2017, Canada's 150th birthday, and to being the natural stage for celebrating our majestic landscapes and our proud Canadian journey from coast to coast to coast.
Quick facts
- National Trail Connection: 80%
- Current length of TCT: 18,777 kilometres
- Projected Length of TCT in 2017: 23,605 kilometres
- Trail added this year: 1,291 kilometres
- Land Trail added this year: 783 kilometres
- Water Trail added this year: 508 kilometres
- Remaining Trail Gaps: 4,828 kilometres
- Remaining Land Trail gaps: 4,065 kilometres
- Remaining Water Trail gaps: 763 kilometres
SOURCE Trans Canada Trail
Gay Decker, Director of Communications, Trans Canada Trail, (O) 514-485-4350, (C) 514 793-8537, [email protected]
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