Project Application Process

See Economic Action Plan (EAP) and the National Trails Coalition (NTC) Style Guide: Project Signage Guidelines »

See approved project applications »

Eligibility Guidelines

Guidelines for Completing Contribution Applications:
Guidelines PDF Document »

The NTC received a $25 million dollar investment from the Government of Canada in Budget 2009: Canada’s Economic Action Plan. These federal dollars must be matched by cash contributions from NTC member organizations or their partners. 

Aside from delivering a much needed boost to the recreational trails sector in Canada, this program is intended to create jobs in the near term and a lasting platform upon which more jobs can be created in the future.

ˆ Back to Top

How do I apply?

To be considered for funding you will need to submit a project application form. The application form can be filled and printed online.

The deadline for submissions is June 26, 2009. Please submit your application by email to the Regional Trail Coordinator in your province or territory. Their email addresses and phone numbers may be accessed by clicking on this link: .

ˆ Back to Top

Is my organization eligible?

In order to be eligible for the NTC Contribution Program, an organization must be a member in good standing of one of the following organizations:

  • The Canadian Trails Federation (CTF) or one of its provincial-territorial members;
  • A provincial-territorial rider federation recognized by the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors’ Council and/or of the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) or the ATV & Quad Council of Canada (AQCC), or one of its provincial-territorial affiliates;
  • A provincial-territorial organization recognized by the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO) or one of its members’ clubs.

For a list of the members of the above organizations in each province and territory, please go to Provincial/Territorial Organizations.

ˆ Back to Top

Does my project meet the eligibility criteria?

Projects involving construction, upgrade, renovation or rehabilitation of multi-purpose trails, non-motorized trails, snowmobile trails and all-terrain vehicle / off-road motorcycle trails are eligible.  More specifically these projects include:

  • New trail construction
  • Trail upgrade / improvement
  • Bridge and water crossing construction, upgrade and rehabilitation;
  • Signage;
  • Trail surveying and tracking; and
  • Trail rehabilitation.

ˆ Back to Top

Can my project be completed by
March 31, 2010?

This funding program applies only to the 2009-2010 fiscal year. As such, projects must be “shovel ready” and of a scope and size that can be completed within the fiscal year by the successful applicant.

Projects that have an overall timeline of more than one year may be partially eligible if a clearly identified phase of the overall project can be started and completed within the one year timeline of this funding program.

ˆ Back to Top

What costs are eligible?

Eligible costs include only the following:

  • the capital costs of constructing, rehabilitating, upgrading or renovating trails;
  • the costs of joint communication activities (press releases, press conferences, translation, etc.) and signage recognition;
  • the costs of surveying, engineering, architectural supervision, testing and management consulting services, including but not limited to fees paid to professionals, technical personnel, consultants and contractors;
  • the costs of labour, materials, licenses or permits and equipment rental, for the refurbishment and construction of trails;
  • the costs of labour, materials, licenses or permits and equipment rental, for the refurbishment and construction of water crossings, including but not limited to bridges;
  • the costs of environmental assessments, monitoring, and follow-up programs as required by federal or provincial legislation;
  • the costs of engineering reports and/or economic impact studies;
  • costs of purchasing and installing signage for trails, including regulatory, safety, directional, interpretive, and trailhead signage; and
  • other costs that are considered by NTC to be direct and necessary for the successful implementation of your project.

Only costs incurred after June 26, 2009 and on or before March 31, 2010 are eligible for this funding. However, projects that commenced earlier than June 26, 2009 may be eligible projects and in those cases matching funds could be used to cover some of those earlier costs.

ˆ Back to Top

Does my application meet the mandatory requirements listed on the application form?

Applicants must meet the mandatory requirements set out on the application form including the following:

  • Evidence that project proponent’s incorporation status is in good standing;
  • Proof of Directors & Officers insurance;
  • Proof of Comprehensive General Liability insurance;
  • Evidence that all legislated environmental assessment and protection requirements have been satisfied;
  • Letter of support from the provincial trail organization related to the trail project category selected.

ˆ Back to Top

Who can I contact to obtain more information?

If you have further questions about the program, you may contact us directly at any of our Regional Trail Coordinator offices by email.

Application guidelines »

ˆ Back to Top