Investing in the Trail, investing in the health of Canadians

A message from the chair of the board

By Paul LaBarge, Chair of the Board, TCT
National Champion
 
One of the many things I value about the Trail is that it is for everyone – all age groups and all fitness levels. You don’t have to book a court, pay a fee, reserve ice time or trundle down to the gym. All you need to do is get off the couch, get out the door and get on the Trail.  

Creating a fitness habit in younger generations is fundamental to our health as a nation. The Trail is an ideal and accessible means to improve our collective well-being, physical and mental. We know that getting outdoors is a wise investment because of the many health benefits related to outdoor exercise. Getting out on the Trail is the best kind of preventive medicine to reduce risk of illness related to our increasingly sedentary lifestyle.

The Trail is a restorative place for families, friends and communities to spend meaningful real face time together – away from the devices and screens that are so prevalent in our daily lives. The Trail is a magical place to connect with nature, with each other and with ourselves. The Great Trail heals and restores us. 

Our Great Trail is an open space to breathe fresh air, do things that feel good, be part of a community and interact with people from all walks of life. By providing accessible recreational pathways on greenways, blue ways and shared-use trails, the Trail encourages active living, environmental stewardship and a deeper understanding of Canada’s diverse regions, people, culture and heritage. 

Moving beyond 2017, Trail preservation, education and enhanced use and safety are our vital priorities. Uniting us physically and symbolically, the Trail is a living symbol of our common future. It is a gift from each of us as Canadians to one another, inviting and welcoming each and every one of us to share this unique adventure. 

Join us on your Great Trail!