Outdoors enthusiasts ranging from cyclists to snowmobilers can rejoice as an essential link of the trails they love to explore has received a makeover designed to keep it in service for years to come.
Led by the North Bay–Mattawa Conservation Authority and in partnership with the local user groups who rely on it most, the Kate Pace Way bridge over the La Vase River is officially open — just in time for winter.
The bridge has a brand new deck, a project the conservation authority has had on its radar for several years, says NBMCA Chair and North Bay City Councillor Dave Mendicino.
"Being a part of the Great Trail of Canada, it was certainly something the conservation authority saw as a priority in the 2020 budget and we're certainly happy to partner with the organizations we did to make it happen," he says.
The Kate Pace Way is a multi-use trail for walking, jogging, cycling, and in-line skating, and is managed by the NBMCA and the City of North Bay. In winter, it serves as a link for snowmobile trails.
The bridge "is part of North Bay's active transportation network and is a key connection between North Bay, Callander, and the south shore of Lake Nipissing," adds Mendicino, "with health and economic benefits for," the user groups and local businesses.
Significant drivers of that economic spinoff are the snowmobile groups who contributed to the project and whose members use the trail system that includes the bridge over the La Vase River, as part of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club.
"Snowmobiling is one of the main tourism dollar-infused activities in this region during the winter and has a large reaching economic impact," says Dianne Tregunna, President of the South Shore Restoule Snowmobile Club.
The South Shore Restoule Snowmobile Club and the Near North Trails Association (OFSC District 11) each contributed $5,000 to the overall $33,600 cost of the new deck for the bridge. The NBMCA put $11,600 toward the project, while the Great Trail provided a grant of $12,000.
The refurbished bridge is an essential link that has given our area a "boost to the snowmobile season and supports local and tourist snowmobilers in having a great experience on our beautiful trail system that fans out from North Bay to all directions," offers Tregunna.
When the snow melts in the spring the bridge — and the entire trail system — reverts to an active transportation playground for all ages.
"As a section of the Great Canada Trail of Canada, the Kate Pace Way is part of the longest network of multi-use trails in the world," advises Mathieu Roy, Vice-President, Trail Development and Management of Trans Canada Trail. The Great Trail consists of more than 27,000 kilometres of trails, linking Canada and Canadians. We're pleased to be able to contribute to this project."
