Policy Manual

This section of the Trans Canada Trail website is designed to provide the information that local and regional trail-building groups may require in planning, registering, funding and building their sections of Trail. The information is more procedural and policy-oriented in nature and therefore may be of less interest to the general public.

Local or regional groups looking for information should consult the Trailbuilders Policy Manual.

Trans Canada Trail Greenways - Vision and Core principles

At its meeting on March 28, the Board of Directors approved the Greenways - Vision and Core Principles.

This reaffirms the Trans Canada Trail’s commitment, as a priority, to developing a greenway trail that promotes non-motorized uses in summer (hiking/walking, cycling, horseback riding and canoeing) and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter.

While this is not a new direction for the Trans Canada Trail, the Board agreed that it was important, at this time, to clearly restate its vision for the Trans Canada Trail and indicate the organization’s priority focus as we move forward to complete the Trail.

Greenways - Vision and Core Principles

Vision

• The Trans Canada Trail is a multi-use recreational trail, stretching from coast to coast to coast.
• The Trail is designed to accommodate six preferred activities: walking/hiking, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and canoeing.
• Made up of hundreds of local trails which are being joined together to form the world’s longest and grandest trail, the Trans Canada Trail offers a multitude of trail experiences from wilderness pathways, rail trails, forested trails, rural tracks, historic canoe routes to paved urban walkways, downtown streets, country roads, logging roads, and secondary highways.
• The goal is to maximize greenway trail segments.
• The Trans Canada Trail continually strives to deliver a quality trail experience that is recognized as being best in class. We seek to be oneof the world’s pre-eminent long distance trails.
• The Trail offers Canadians and international visitors a unique way to get outdoors, explore major cities and small towns; experience our ever-changing landscapes; and discover Canada’s rich history, and diverse cultures, communities and people.

• Provide a safe and enjoyable trail experience on high quality trail;
• Promote an active and healthy lifestyle;
• Preserve green space, encourage active transportation, and protect the environment;
• As a priority, develop a greenway trail that promotes non-motorized uses in summer (walking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and canoeing on water routes), as well as cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on some trail segments, in winter.