Trail History and Plan:Transcona Trails Inc. is a charitable organization building a recreational trail system in Transcona. The group started in 2003 with a plan to provide a pedestrian and cyclist connection between two existing green spaces in Transcona. In 2005 and 2006 we created the first segment of the Transcona Trail to join the Bradley Tall Grass Prairie with the Transcona Community Bioreserve. The 2km of Transcona Trail and existing trails in the Bradley Tall Grass Prairie and Transcona Community Bioreserve created 5km of connected trail. On May 27, 2006 the grand opening of the Transcona Trail was held at the trailhead on the corner of Ravelston Ave. and Bradley Street. At this stage of the trail development the phase one section of the Transcona Trail has a mowed grass surface, ditch crossing at Plessis Road, three park benches, a picnic table, 87 native trees and shrubs planted, a parking area, directional signage and trailhead map signs. Most of the shrubs will produce berries to attract birds. We are looking forward to seeing the trees grow and provide shade. The Transcona Trail and extensions to both ends of the existing trail are on the City of Winnipeg’s list of Active Transportation projects for 2010. The proposed upgrades to the Transcona Trail will provide a 5km paved trail all the way from Regent Ave. and Peguis St. to the eastern edge of Transcona. In 2009 two sections of the Cordite Trail along the Cordite drainage ditch have been created. The western track of the Cordite Trail is positioned to connect Transcona to Kilcona Park, Harbouview Park, the North-East Pioneers Greenway, and the Trans-Canada Trail when the Chief Peguis Extension and its associated multi-use pathway is built in the next few years. The East Track of the Cordite Trail (on either side of Redonda St.) is mostly usable by dog walkers. The East Track will connect to the extended Transcona Trail in 2010. Each track of the Cordite Trail has trail markers and park benches. Preliminary work for a major Trailhead structure has been completed by the City of Winnipeg at the start of the West Track near Ham Street. It is expected that the design of the sign for the Trailhead will be completed over the winter and ready for installation in the spring of 2010. We are involved in the development of the Manitoba Lotteries Fitness Trail (MLFT) in the Buhler Recreation Park. The East Winnipeg Sports Association (EWSA) is building and operating the Buhler Recreation Park on Murdock Road in South Transcona for softball, soccer, lacrosse, flag football and other sports. Approximately half of the MLFT has a limestone surface. An Exercise Zone has been built on the trail. It has equipment and instructions for stretching and strengthening exercises. Walkers, runners and cyclists are welcome on the Fitness Trail. The limestone section of the Manitoba Lotteries Fitness Trail was ready for use in 2008. The rest has a grass surface in 2009, but will be improved in the next year or two. In 2009 a Manitoba Hydro Forest Enhancement grant purchased 57 trees which have been planted along the trail. Thirty four other trees, mostly PFRA trees (raised in pots from several years ago) were also planted. Two nature trails have been built through sections of the native bush in the park. These trails are usable now and will be completed in 2010. The nature trails have wood mulch or mowed grass surfaces and are through small forests. We developed interpretive signage for the Cordite Trail and installed the nine signs in the summer of 2010. We hope to develop interpretive signage for the MLFT at Buhler Recreation Park in 2011. Many trail groups are active in Winnipeg. The River East Neighbourhood Network trails group is working on connecting their trails with Transcona so we will become connected to the TransCanada Trail. The Red River Floodway Trails Coalition is working on creating recreational trails which will come close to Transcona. We intend to be a part of the extended Winnipeg trail network. Trails increase awareness of the parks and green spaces in Transcona. We are members of the Manitoba Recreational Trails Association (MRTA) and the Winnipeg Trails Association. We inform people about the location of the trails in Transcona so they can find, use and enjoy the trails. Since we have been actively promoting trail development in Transcona, the South Transcona Community Path, Windsong Trail, Centenary Trail, and trails in Harbourview South have been installed by the City of Winnipeg and developers. The citizens of Transcona need more places to walk and enjoy nature. Trails encourage fitness. We will connect Transcona parks and green spaces with a trail system that is easy for you to explore. Many of the trails will be mowed grass and easy to walk on, a few will have a limestone or paved surface. The trails will provide an opportunity to observe the birds and wild animals living around Transcona. |
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Native Plants and Trees on the Transcona Trail:
Plants in the Home Depot Garden:
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