Enhancing Saskatchewan’s Trails: The STA Membership Assistance Grant

Enhancing Saskatchewan’s Trails: The STA Membership Assistance Grant

There’s a thriving network of trails, which offer residents and visitors a chance to explore the beauty of the province up close. What many might not be aware of is the Saskatchewan Trails Association’s (STA) Membership Assistance Grant program that has been supporting trail projects across the province for years.

The STA’s Membership Assistance Grant is a financial assistance program designed to provide support to its members for various trail-related projects. These projects encompass a wide range of activities aimed at improving and maintaining the extensive trail system in the province. From snowmobile clubs to cross-country ski trails, the STA’s grant program has made a significant impact on the accessibility and quality of Saskatchewan’s trails.

Funding grants of up to $1,000 for building new trails or undergoing maintenance projects such as updating maps, fixing signs, purchasing maintenance tools or adding GPS capabilities are available through an application process. These grants are only available to current SaskTrails members. Some of the eligibility criteria include length of membership and how long you will be committed to the organization in the future.

Funds for this program are received through donations and project management fees by the STA. If you would like to make a donation, please visit https://sasktrails.ca/getinvolved/#donate.

Here is a glimpse of how we have distributed the funding to different trail groups.

2024

• The Hudson Bay Ski Club, Manitou Beach and Prairie Sky Trails were recently awarded a $1,000 STA Membership Assistance Trail Grant. The funding will be used for trail signs along the newly-expanded Pineview Nordic Ski Trails in Hudson Bay, and for a new wheelchair accessible trail in the heart of Manitou Beach.
• It will also support new interpretive signs depicting local Indigenous history, storytelling and information on local habitats along the trail system at Sunset Beach on Lake Diefenbaker.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore projects that received funding through this program.

2023

• The Resort Village of Candle Lake received funding for upgrades to the Simon Lehne Trail. The village was able to mulch and conduct brush clearing on the trail. It now features a soft, woodchip base, which is ideal as a nature trail.
• Bengough and District Park Authority added another additional 1km loop to their existing trail, which was began upgrades last year. This new path will create a connection back to the main trail section, creating plenty of opportunity for hikers to change their route on a regular basis. The grant will help purchase signs and signposts, benches, solar lights, garbage bins and dog waste receptacles for this new area.
• The Oxbow and District Recreation Board plans to upgrade their existing Bow Valley trails. The grant will be used to purchase posts and solar lights that will be distributed to help light the path that has been enjoyed by residents, campers, and surrounding communities for years.
• Pasquia Regional Park Authority would like to build a new rest area on their 5 km long path where the famous 90-million-year-old crocodile, “Big Bert”, was discovered. With plans to install an outhouse and park bench, the area will be cleared of foliage and other obstacles. This preliminary work is set to be completed in May, which will allow for installation in late July or early August.
• The East Qu’Appelle will also be adding metred signage to their Kapo Kraze and Sunny Side Up trails, along with building a trail head sign between the Screeching Jay and Corky’s Revenge trails. This will offer checkpoints to hikers and give a better sense of direction and distance on these existing trails.

2022

• Four recipients were selected to each receive $500 grants. The Bengough & District Regional Park Authority received funding to add a new loop to an existing trail and update signs, sign poles, and benches for park visitors.
• Leader and District Tourism received funding to enhance pedestrian routes, ensuring safety and providing the community with safe trail alternatives.
• Saskatoon Trail Alliance used the grant to improve trail surfaces on single tracks along the river valley, mitigating erosion and enhancing the trail system’s durability.

2020

• The Foam Lake & District Leisure Services Board restored the nature trails in the RM of Foam Lake’s Foam Lake Heritage Marsh areas. The restoration was necessary due to past flooding that damaged signage, viewing platforms, and eroded shorelines. The project received $1000 and not only improved the area’s accessibility.
• The Qu’Appelle Valley Nordic Ski Club’s project focused on the maintenance of its trail system and received $1000 funding. This was used to level the trails, install signage, plant trees for wind protection, snow accumulation, and habitat, as well as additional snow fence installation. All of this was done to improve the overall trail experience for skiers and hikers.

2017

• Funding support was provided to three trail projects: the Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade, Timber Trail Sno Riders Snowmobile Club, and Whiteswan Snow Hawks Snowmobile Club. These grants helped strengthen the trail network in Saskatchewan by facilitating the construction of new trails and necessary maintenance work.

2016

• The Hudson Bay Ski Club completed a trail improvement project for the Pineview Cross Country Ski Trails. The project involved adding a 1.6-kilometer loop suitable for various activities, from skiing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer. This initiative expanded the trail system and made it more accessible to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts.

2015

• The Ed Spratt Trail near the town of Craik was supported by the STA. This trail, connecting Tugaske and Craik, serves as a tribute to Ed Spratt, who played a pivotal role in the development of the trail network in the region. Special signage was produced and installed to mark this significant route.

2014

• The Whiteswan Snow Hawks snowmobile club received a grant of $400 to reroute a trail for safety reasons, as the original trail had issues with flooding. This project aimed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of snowmobilers in the area.
• The City of Humboldt received $500 and completed a trail connecting the downtown area to Centennial Park, facilitating non-motorized transportation for residents. The grant supported the creation of a seating node along this trail, enhancing the experience for park-goers.
• The Timber Trails Sno-Riders Co-operative Ltd. requested funding and received $500 to place signs and signposts along their trails, contributing to improved navigation for trail users.
• The Parkland Trans Canada Trail Association utilized a $500 grant to install a bench with a plaque along a trail in Saskatoon. This initiative highlighted the association’s support and added a touch of comfort to the trail.
• Following damage to their trails caused by an ice storm, the Lakeland Snowmobile Club used funding of $400 to clean and restore the trails, ensuring they were safe and enjoyable for the upcoming winter season.
• The Resort Village of Manitou Beach received $500 to embark on an upgrade project, installing trail markers and signage along a recently improved gravel trail along the lakefront. The project was to enhance the experience of visitors exploring the area.
• The Ness Creek Cultural and Recreational Society Inc. received $500 to update trail maps, survey a new trail with GPS, replace existing trail markers, and build a larger trailhead kiosk. These improvements aimed to cater to the growing number of people using their trails.

The Saskatchewan Trails Association’s Membership Assistance Grant program has allowed various trail projects to flourish, enhancing the overall outdoor experience for residents and visitors alike.

As we look to the future, the STA’s commitment to supporting trail projects continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining and expanding Saskatchewan’s trail systems. For those who are passionate about trails and their role in connecting communities and promoting outdoor recreation, this program is a beacon of hope. It demonstrates how dedicated individuals and organizations can come together to make a significant difference in their local communities.

If you have a trail project in mind and are an STA member, consider exploring the possibilities of the Membership Assistance Grant program. By doing so, you can become part of a legacy that helps preserve Saskatchewan’s natural beauty and invites others to experience it for generations to come.

You can also make a meaningful difference by donating to the grant program. Your generous contributions will directly impact the growth and maintenance of the province’s trail systems, and we can continue to fund vital projects that improve accessibility, safety, and overall enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts and local communities.

For more information on the STA Membership Assistance Grant program and other funding opportunities, please visit Saskatchewan Trails Association.