Residents of Timmins will see some much needed upgrades to local recreational trails this summer thanks to Lake Shore Gold Corp. a subsidiary of Pan American Silver. A $29,600.00 donation was presented to the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation on behalf of employees of Lake Shore Gold. The funds will be used for work along the Bridge to Bridge, Golden Springs and Lion’s Walk Trails.
“Outdoor recreation is a huge part of living in the north,” says Marcel Cardinal, Director of Environment and Sustainability at Lake Shore Gold Corp. “It is important to maintain these outdoor facilities which are part of our northern culture and play such an important part in the mental health of our employees and the people in our community. Lake Shore Gold is proud to be partnered with the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation to assist the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority in providing a sound trail system throughout the City of Timmins.”
The Wintergreen Fund for Conservation raises funds to support the work of the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) in maintaining a 55 km trail system, which connects the four conservation areas and extends from the Mattagami River to Porcupine Lake. They provide a network of non-motorized recreational trails for all residents to enjoy the outdoors and nature. The MRCA notes that the donation comes at an opportune time. Over the past year, when people have been limited to activity outdoors, the trails have been well used by thousands of walkers and cyclists.
“We are grateful for this generous donation from Lake Shore Gold,” says Mark Joron, Chair of the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation. “The trail system is very valuable to our community, and the maintenance can become very costly. Donations like this allow the MRCA to proceed with the larger repair projects that are needed.”
In 2020, the MRCA completed a trail user survey. The responses helped to identify improvements to the trail system and areas that need repairs. Work supported by the Lake Shore Gold donation has begun and will include trail widening and resurfacing, culvert replacement, raising low-lying areas and the addition of bear-proof garbage bins and new directional signage. Improved signage was a common request, so this year sign updates will begin throughout the trail system.