THUNDER BAY — The newest section of a planned hiking trail between Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls is relatively short, but it's one more step toward completing the vision of the Northwestern Ontario Recreational Trails Association.
NWORTA's multi-year plan calls for a network of trails to be developed between Nipigon and Atikokan, and to the Minnesota border, as part of the Trans Canada Trail Network (TCT).
The newest component is a 1.1 kilometre section through the Hogarth Plantation property owned by Lakehead University.
The 44-hectare parcel in Oliver Paipoonge, adjacent to Whitewater Road and the 25th Side Road, is used by the Faculty of Natural Resources Management for teaching and research.
Through access to existing trails on the plantation, NWORTA's trail between Thunder Bay and Kakabeka Falls now extends for 3.9 kilometres.
Including a new trail constructed along Broadway Avenue last fall, the total available TCT trail inventory in the Thunder Bay region will increase to 90 kilometres, the longest section being a trail from the Kakabeka area to Shabaqua.
"We are working to connect Thunder Bay to Kakabeka Falls and our Shabaqua trail," said Len Day, president of the NWORTA. "With Lakehead University permitting our access to the Hogarth property, this is another big step forward to making that connection possible. We are really thankful for Lakehead's insight and support."
Leigh Potvin, director of LU's School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism, said "The outdoors offers so many benefits for mental and physical wellness, social interaction, nature and cultural appreciation; connecting 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, encouraging outdoor activity."
Day credited NWORTA's ability to access a province-wide liability insurance policy through Hike Ontario for the support received so far.
The policy provides coverage for private and public land owners who grant access to their properties.
"This has been huge in terms of getting these approvals," Day remarked, noting that agreements have also been reached with the City of Thunder Bay, Conmee Township and O'Connor Township.
The group is still looking for support from Oliver Paipoonge council for a route to complete the connection to Kakabeka Falls.
Day said a written deputation has already been submitted for council's review of proposed access to public road allowances and properties along Rosslyn Road, Harstone Road and Luckens Road.
NWORTA and a representative of the TCT will also attend the council meeting on March 11.
