TransCanada Trails	Other Manitoba Trails	Trail Builders	Resources

Mission The mission of the MRTA is “to provide the support, knowledge, information, technology and resources necessary to promote the construction and use of recreational trail throughout Manitoba, thereby improving the economy, the environment and human well being.”   Who We Are The Manitoba Recreational Trail Association (MRTA) is the official body overseeing the coordination of the building of the Trans Canada Trail in the province. The MRTA is governed by a volunteer board, currently consisting of seventeen people, including four regional representatives. It is a governing and overseeing body providing management and direction for trail development being undertaken by 18 regional trail associations, with a total of over 100 volunteers. The MRTA has one full time executive director and a 30 hr. per week office administrator/bookkeeper position. The Department of Manitoba Health and Healthy Living has a Provincial Trails Consultant, who works closely with the MRTA. The MRTA office is located in the Land Information Branch building, at 1007 Century Street, Winnipeg Manitoba. Officers of the MRTA President: Ruth Marr Vice-President: Linda Morin Secretary: David King Treasurer: Marissa Zurba Past President: Terry Howard Executive Director: Jim Chapryk Office Administrator: Dominique Denby Directors of the MRTA Glen Basarowich Jeoff Chipman Terry Howard David King Tom Lawless Ruth Marr Linda Morin Hartley. Pokrant Chris Randle Hugh Skinner Charles Zant Provincial Trails Consultant: Howard Skrypnyk MRTA Bylaws - PDF format Free download Adobe Acrobat   History The roots of the MRTA go back to the 1980’s, when a group of civil servants saw an opportunity for the development of recreational trails in the rail lines that were slated for abandonment in the mid-1980’s. Initially, the idea of trails was limited to a rails to trails concept. In the early 1990’s, some inventory studies were done for abandoned rail lines. Other recreational trail enthusiasts began to join the movement, although many of the abandoned lines were not acquired for recreational use. During the early nineties, volunteers traveled in the province, promoting the idea of recreational trails. In 1992, the concept of the TCT was conceived, and the MRTA was approached in 1993 to become the official provincial trail council for the TCT. Also in 1992, the MRTA became an incorporated body, and criteria for the development of the TCT in Manitoba was devised which would include not only abandoned rail lines, but also provincial parks, WMAs and important ethnic communities. In 1993, the MRTA gained charitable tax status. In 1998, the first significant length of the TCT in Manitoba was registered; this was the Rossburn Sub. Which was purchased from CN. Later in 1998, the TCT Foundation was granted federal funds as part of the Federal Millennium Project, to hire trail builders across the country to facilitate the registration, and/or building of the TCT. In Manitoba, these funds were used to hire an executive director for the MRTA. In March 2000, the Government of Manitoba, as represented by the Minister of Culture, Heritage & Tourism, entered into an agreement with the MRTA. The purpose of the agreement was to provide for financial assistance to enable the MRTA to carry out and complete the Trans-Canada Trail (TCT) Millennium Signature Project in Manitoba. In that agreement, the Government of Manitoba provided a $2,125,000 financial contribution to the MRTA for the construction of Manitoba’s portion of the TCT as well as for the development of other trails. The MRTA would be responsible for managing the development of Manitoba’s 1300km portion of the TCT, as well as the future development of connecting and non-connecting spur trails, construction of pavilions and trail markers, and the production of interpretive materials. As well, the regional trail associations of the MRTA would be responsible for raising $1,350,000 in matching contributions for TCT and non-TCT trail development. The total funding for the project, including matching contributions, would be $3,575,000. The agreement is to continue until all undertakings and obligations for the MRTA have been fully met and completed. In March 2000 the project was expected to require three years to complete. Since that time, the project has been extended to 2006. Membership Click here for a membership form - PDF Free download Adobe Acrobat What We Do • Provide funding to recognized trail associations for trail development • Provide trail building resources to trail associations • Promote the Trans Canada Trail in Manitoba • Promote other trails and trail use in Manitoba Trail Etiquette • Plan ahead – be aware of local trail conditions • Wheels yield to heels • Stay on the trail, and respect private property including crops, livestock and   equipment. Close all gates, and keep your pets on a leash • Take only photos, leave only footprints • Camp and light fires only in designated areas • Avoid taking shortcuts or creating braided trails around wet areas. • Bury human waste at least 100 metres from water bodies. • Grain and alfalfa pellets are recommended for horses as hay can introduce   noxious weeds. Scatter manure. Avoid soft or marshy edges when watering   horses. • Do not leave horses unattended. • Cyclists and horses avoid soft trail when wet. • Fall is hunting season in much of Manitoba. Consult Manitoba Conservation   regarding hunting areas and wear blaze orange if on the trail. • Do not drink the water unless purified by filters or tablets • Enjoy the trail! Get Involved! Sign on with the MRTA as a volunteer, by helping with: • trail building and maintenance • office duties • public education/promotion Contact the MRTA office for more information: Manitoba Recreational Trails Association 1007 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0W4 Phone: 786-2688 Fax: 945-1365 Email: mrta@mts.net Get your free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader