Since the beginning, and even before completion of the construction of the Northgate trail system, those involved have been advocating for a partnership with Parks Canada with an eye to developing world class mountain biking infrastructure.
And, while at times it seemed as though the wheels of government turned impossibly slow, there has been progress made, with initial scrubbing occurring this fall to join RMNP’s Edwards Creek Trail to the Northgate system.
That is thanks in part to advocacy for the project from Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn.
In June, Kostyshyn sent a letter to Steven Guilbeault, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change educating him on the project and the vision and stressing the importance of a working relationship between the Northgate development group and Parks Canada.
“I encourage you and your staff to take a look at the Northgate Trail system outside the park at northgatetrails.com, as well as the extremely well-received user experience at maps.app.goo.gl/HZkFd8ftnXSxpaca6,” the letter read.
“With a bit of resolve, there is a real opportunity here to take this excellent trail network to the next level by connecting the Northgate Trail to trail networks within RMNP.”
POSSIBILITIES A8
Recently, Kostyshyn heard back through a letter from Parks Canada president and CEO Ron Hallman, who indicated his organization recognized the significance of the trail system as it exists today and the potential it represents.
He also provided an update of work completed on Parks Canada’s end.
“I am pleased to inform you the Edwards Creek Trail Project is moving forward. The project detailed design was developed and reviewed in spring of 2024. The project impact assessment was initiated in July with an archaeological field component completed prior to bird nesting seasonal restrictions on recreational trail projects of this scope,” the letter read.
“Member representatives of the Coalition of First Nations with interests in Riding Mountain National Park participated in this field work. Additional archaeological field work is scheduled for spring of 2025. An interim impact assessment was completed in late fall of 2024, for preliminary brushing of the trail to occur this fall and winter. Preliminary brushing, in progress, will allow for completion of the archaeology field work next spring, and to better inform the detailed (engineered) design for the proposed trail work. The Basic Impact Assessment (BIA) for the full project scope is in final review and construction work is expected to begin in the late summer or fall of 2025, following bird nesting season.”
That type of acknowledgment, and co-operation among all levels of government is important, Kostyshyn said.
“The Derailleurs group and the bike trail, it is just unbelievable the opportunities we could see in the tourism industry and economic development,” he said.
“This is an opportunity that has really blossomed and continues to grow. Just talking to the organization about future plans and competitive biking opportunities, worldwide opportunities, and I think, wow this is really unique.”
Once he learned about the scope of the project, Kostyshyn said there was no question he would get involved in promoting the project and doing what he could to advance it.
“It’s what an MLA should be doing and I’m very happy to help out in anyway. I think this is really important for our community,” he said.
“Just kind of blue skying the thoughts of what’s going to happen with this bike trail and competitions, it’s unbelievable. It’s people from across the world would be actually coming here and competing in Dauphin. Why not enhance the amazing tourism opportunities. We need to continue building.”
Read more in this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.
