Louise Portelance: FORMER CN RAIL LINE BECOMES TRANS CANADA TRAIL

FORMER CN RAIL LINE BECOMES TRANS CANADA TRAIL

Canadian National Railways recently announced that it will transfer 560 kilometres of abandoned rail lines to the Trans Canada Trail Foundation. The Capreol to North Bay line will be developed into a multi-purpose recreational trail for Greater Sudbury.

Mayor Jim Gordon said this project will enhance quality of life for all residents and will serve to bring more visitors to our City. "This trail will link Canadians from coast to coast. CNR is to be commended for supporting this initiative," said Mayor Gordon.

"I am ecstatic," said Councillor Louise Portelance of the City of Greater Sudbury. "This community has worked so hard to bring the route of the Trans Canada Trail through our area. Now, even though there is a lot of work left to do, we can see our dream beginning to come true."

Nickel Belt MP Ray Bonin was commended for his ongoing support of this project. Mr. Bonin played a lead role in bringing the Sudbury and North Bay trail groups together to work co operatively with CNR and the Trans Canada Trail Foundation to secure the rail corridor for our use.

Rainbow Routes, a non-profit community group set up to promote the Trans Canada Trail in the Sudbury area, will work with the Trans Canada Trail Foundation to develop the former rail line into a multi-use trail.

"This rail line is an important link in our Trans Canada Trail project," said Ian Wood, President of Rainbow Routes Association. "When completed, this connection with North Bay will attract trail users from across Canada, enhancing our tourism sector. The timing of this announcement is perfect, as Greater Sudbury will be hosting the Ontario Trails Council Annual Conference May 4th to 6th."

The former rail line runs east from Capreol, around Bowland's Bay at Skead, and east again to Field and North Bay. The scenery along the route, especially at Skead, is sure to make the trail popular with the people of Greater Sudbury, encouraging walking and the development of healthy lifestyles.