The RM of Gimli will be holding an information session next week on its plan to move ahead on a Trails Master Plan for the entire municipality, and is inviting the public to attend and share their ideas on how to improve the trails.
The RM had announced last fall it would commission a master plan to guide the future use and development of trails. It hired HTFC Planning & Design, a landscape architecture and land use planning firm from Winnipeg, to create a plan that incorporates feedback already solicited from trail stakeholders such as the Gimli Active Trails Advisory Committee, the Interlake Offroad Club, Interlake Snow Trackers (snowmobile) and the Gimli Cross-country Ski Club, and that will include feedback from the public.
The RM’s manager of community engagement Christine Payne said HTFC will provide information about the data that has been collected to date from various user groups at the Feb. 20 come-and-go session.
“The session provides an opportunity for additional community feedback to further refine the plan,” said Payne. “A January 30th session attended by the various trail groups helped inform the current materials by incorporating valuable insights from local stakeholders, clubs and community members.”
Recognizing the value of its trails to residents and visitors alike, the municipality has been looking at ways to enhance and manage them. In 2023 it held a meeting with several trail stakeholders to gather ideas on how to proceed.
The RM’s Active Trails Advisory Committee created a strategic plan in 2022, along with policies and practices for the trails. It also created a website that provides detailed information about the 15 or so trails that run along railway lines and Lake Winnipeg and through parks, neighbourhoods and subdivisions.
The trails cater to walkers, runners, wheelchair users, people with children/baby strollers, cyclists, dog-walkers, rollerbladers, skiers and snowshoers. Residents and visitors alike use the trails to access nature and to enjoy rural solitude.
Payne said RM staff will be on hand at the session and council members have been invited to “attend, listen and contribute their perspectives.” But HTFC staff will lead the session. It will present key findings, facilitate discussions and gather public input through various means such as written notes, annotations on large maps and feedback submitted electronically.
“HTFC and RM representatives will document key takeaways to ensure all perspectives are considered,” said Payne.
The RM remains committed to “prioritizing public input” and considering public views before plans are finalized, she added, and the RM will also be launching an online survey to gather input from seasonal residents.
“The input gathered [at the session] will be reviewed and analyzed by HTFC and the RM of Gimli to identify common themes, priorities and concerns,” said Payne. “This feedback will help further refine the Trails Master Plan concept to better reflect community needs. Additionally, an online survey will be launched to gather input from seasonal or wintering residents, ensuring all voices have the opportunity to contribute.”
The Trails Master Plan information session will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 7-9 p.m. at Johnson Hall in the Waterfront Centre, 94 First Ave.
Visit the RM’s Active Trails Advisory Committee’s website www.gimliactivetrails.ca for a full list of trails in the municipality, including their distances, surfaces, parking and access points.
