THUNDER BAY — On the eve of hosting a national mountain biking event, Thunder Bay's Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club is the recipient of $250,000 in government funding.
An investment from FedNor, the federal economic development agency for Northern Ontario, will support the club's Trowbridge Forest Master Plan for expansion and improvements involving over 35 kilometres of trail.
The money will also support the creation of a trail manager position.
According to an announcement from the office of Patty Hajdu, the minister responsible for FedNor, the upgrades will also allow for a wide range of all-season trail uses including hiking, snowshoeing, trail running and Nordic skiing.
The Trowbridge Forest trail system links Centennial Park, Trowbridge Falls Park, Shuniah Mines and Kinsmen Park.
Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club, a not-for-profit organization, has over 500 members.
This weekend it's playing host to the 2024 XCM Canadian Championships.
In a prepared statement, club president David Valente said: "Thunder Bay is surrounded by nature . . . and we are proud to support people from all over in experiencing what our area has to offer. We have a well-earned reputation as a great place for four-season trail adventures, and are proud to be part of a growing community working to cement that reputation worldwide."
