A 1.1 kilometer section of a planned hiking trail connecting Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls has been completed, thanks to a partnership with Lakehead University. This latest addition is a significant step towards realizing the vision of the Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association (NWORTA) to establish a network of trails extending from Nipigon to Atikokan, as part of the Trans Canada Trail Network (TCT).
The newest segment of a planned hiking trail spanning Thunder Bay to Kakabeka Falls might not be lengthy, but it signifies another milestone in the vision of the Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Associati on (NWORTA). NWORTA's multi-year plan aims to establish a network of trails extending from Nipigon to Atikokan, reaching as far as the Minnesota border, as part of the Trans Canada Trail Network (TCT). This latest addition is a 1.
1 kilometer section traversing the Hogarth Plantation, a property owned by Lakehead University. The 44-hectare parcel situated in Oliver Paipoonge, adjacent to Whitewater Road and the 25th Side Road, serves as a valuable resource for Lakehead University's Faculty of Natural Resources Management, primarily for teaching and research purposes. Through access to existing trails on the plantation, NWORTA's trail connecting Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls now stretches for 3.9 kilometers. When combined with a new trail constructed along Broadway Avenue last fall, the total Trans Canada Trail network within the Thunder Bay region will increase to 90 kilometers. The longest segment of this trail network currently runs from the Kakabeka area to Shabaqua. 'We are striving to connect Thunder Bay to Kakabeka Falls and our Shabaqua trail,' stated Len Day, president of NWORTA. 'With Lakehead University granting us permission to utilize the Hogarth property, this represents a substantial step forward in realizing that connection. We are incredibly grateful for Lakehead's understanding and support.'Leigh Potvin, director of LU's School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism, echoed these sentiments, stating, 'The outdoors offers a plethora of benefits for mental and physical well-being, social interaction, nature appreciation, and cultural understanding; integrating the Hogarth Plantation into the Kakabeka Falls trail system will increase the number of public trails accessible to residents of Thunder Bay and visitors to the region, thereby encouraging outdoor activity.' Day attributed NWORTA's success in securing support to the organization's access to a province-wide liability insurance policy through Hike Ontario. This policy provides coverage for both private and public landowners who grant access to their properties. 'This has been instrumental in obtaining these approvals,' Day remarked, noting that agreements have also been reached with the City of Thunder Bay, Conmee Township, and O'Connor Township. Currently, the group is seeking support from Oliver Paipoonge council for a route to complete the connection to Kakabeka Falls. Day mentioned that a written deputation has already been submitted for council's review, outlining the proposed access to public road allowances and properties along Rosslyn Road, Harstone Road, and Luckens Road. Both NWORTA and a representative from the TCT will be present at the council meeting on March 11
Hiking Trails Lakehead University Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Associati Trans Canada Trail Network Oliver Paipoonge Kakabeka Falls Thunder Bay
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