Path of the Paddle to Join Trans-Canada Trail

Posted by Ed Iskra 
on Jan 16, 2013
 
Path of the Paddle is a proposed canoe/kayak water route spanning over 900 kilometers from Falcon River to Pigeon River in the Heart of the Continent.  It’s a water route alternative to the Trans Canada Trail and canoeing and kayaking are part of the “preferred uses” along with hiking, cycling, horseback riding, dogsledding, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Image Project Manager Vicki Kurz and Regional Trail Commitee representative Jack Harrison attended a Rotary luncheon to explain the structure,  objectives and challenges of this endeavour.  In 2008, through a Memorandum of Understanding the Trans Canada Trail water route was formally recognized in five northwestern Ontario Provincial Parks.  Using local knowledge, canoe enthusiasts met with Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Parks staff in 2012, to define existing or feasible routes to link the entire waterway network.    

Jack and Vicki described some of the issues facing the committee. A significant portion of the preferred route travels through designated “green zones”, which are areas where non-residents of Canada are not permitted to camp on Crown land. These zones were designed to direct non-residents to stay at private lodges and support the local tourism industry.  

To date, consultation has already started with all stakeholders and Regional Trail Committees were formed in Kenora, Dryden, Atikokan and ImageThunder Bay.   Consisting entirely of volunteers, each committee will be responsible for building and maintaining a section of those pesky portages linking each body of water.  For more information on how you can help, go to www.tctOntario.ca.