Multi-Use Trails for Every Ability

As COVID-19 restrictions began to ease across the province, everyone was eager to return to a sense of normalcy. Outdoor activities became the safest option to connect with others during the early months of the pandemic, providing a welcome break from isolation.

Recognizing the value of its existing boardwalk and trail system, the Town of Cochrane sought to expand this important community asset and applied for funding from FedNor under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF).

"Thanks to the CCRF and FedNor, we were able to extend our current multi-use trail system by two kilometres. Residents and visitors now have access to a pathway that winds through the heart of the community, connecting several local parks. This initiative not only enhances community cohesion but also provides convenient access to essential services, including the hospital, childcare centre, local schools, and businesses," said Monika Malherbe, Chief Administrative Officer of the Corporation of the Town of Cochrane.

The small town of 5,487 residents, located about an hour's drive northeast of Timmins, recognizes the important health and economic benefits of greenways for the community and its visitors. These paths serve as vital links to the outdoors and provide opportunities for recreation, exercise, and transportation.

The trail system ensures that everyone in the community, including those with accessibility challenges, can easily access the area's natural beauty and enjoy non-motorized activities.

Equipped with numerous rest areas featuring park benches and waste receptacles, the well-lit pathway meets the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act standards.

The Town also prioritized a sustainable design for the trail, allowing the packed dust and fine gravel to form a sturdy trail bed. This approach will not only help preserve its integrity over the years but also ensure long-term economic feasibility compared to paving the trail.

With a $500,000 investment from the CCRF, the Town of Cochrane was able to enhance its existing boardwalk and trail infrastructure. Launched by the Government of Canada in June 2021, the CCRF was designed to help communities across Canada build and improve infrastructure projects as they recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. With a national investment of $500 million over two years, the fund—delivered by Canada's regional development agencies—supported investments in shared and inclusive public spaces, with FedNor's share nearing $20 million.

This project exemplifies an initiative funded by FedNor in support of the federal Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario and CCRF priorities, enabling the community to reimagine its infrastructure to safely bring people back to public spaces as health measures ease and stimulate the local economy. Learn more about the Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario.