Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails (LET) Project
Vision of Project
The Laurentian Escarpment trails have a long history of local use by hikers, mountain bikers, downhill skiers, snowshoers and more recently, fat bikers. The goal of the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails Project is to preserve and protect a four-season network of sanctioned multi-use trails across the Laurentian Escarpment for now and future generations. Through partnership and active participation between local non-profits, private landowners and public agencies, we will create an asset not only for the community, but one that supports the local economy by attracting provincial and national events and celebrates North Bay’s legacy through its 100th anniversary.
Description of Project
The project aims to secure public access to the primary network of existing trails across the Laurentian Escarpment including those currently on private property and Department of National Defense lands east of the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area. The project is being led by a committee made up of representatives from Discovery Routes, North Bay Mountain Bike Association and community volunteers with support and participation from the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, City of North Bay, Department of National Defense and private landowners.
Why Now?
Many local trail users are not aware that most of the trails east of the Conservation Area exist on private or public lands where permission to be on these trails is not granted. These trails put landowners and trail users at risk and could be lost to the public if they are not secured through long-term land use agreements, deliberately planned, designed and managed.
The Project
The project will involve trail network improvements considering environmental integrity, access points, signage, and mapping. The resulting, fully-sanctioned trail system will be marketed as a community asset to draw visitors from across Ontario through tourism and trail events. The project will be guided by public collaboration, ensuring an asset that meets the needs of all user groups, in all four seasons and will stand out as a feature in the heart of North Bay.
Using input from various user groups, businesses, not-for-profits, and landowners, we hope to upgrade and improve the existing trail network to create a final product that is beneficial to everyone.
Project outcomes will include:
- Securing practical and legal access points with landowners
- Trail Tourism Readiness Assessment
- Improving and altering degraded trails
- Improving navigation with trail improvements
- Increased signage to indicate key locations, exits, and preferred routes optimized for specific user groups
- Creation of final Trails Master Plan that will provide a framework for the continued management of these trails into the future
- Hosting a trail event in 2025 celebrating the City of North Bay’s 100th anniversary
Project Map and Scope
Process
- Secure land use agreements with landowners
- Implement Public Engagement Strategy
- Apply public input to Laurentian Escarpment Trails Master Plan where applicable
- Develop and implement Signage Plan
- Trail Alterations/Improvements including
- Building access trails, altering degraded trails, improving trail connectivity
- Promotion and marketing of trails in collaboration with community partners
- Promotion and hosting of trail event
- Implementation of long term strategy with community trail partners for ongoing management of trail network
Project Updates
Tourism Readiness Assessment: LET Tourism Readiness Assessment Aug 2024
Trail User Survey – Fall 2024: LET Trail User Survey Summary- Dec 2024
Project Updates:
LET Project Update – Spring 2025
LET Project Update – Summer 2025 and Sponsorship
Trail Improvement Planning Map – June 2025
Call for Artist – Vinyl Wrap Mural on tool storage container – deadline to submit: October 10, 2025
Volunteers for trail improvements and event support are needed. Fill out the form or email projects@discoveryroutes.ca if you would like to lend a hand.
To be added to the mailing list to receive project updates, please send an email to projects@discoveryroutes.ca with “Mailing List” in subject line.
Help Preserve the Legacy of the Laurentian Escarpment
We need to raise $15,000 by December 31, 2025 to complete the first phase of construction.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Peak Sponsor – Give $5,000 or more and we’ll put your logo on our trailhead signs
Trailblazer – Give $2,500 or more and we’ll recognize you on the trailhead signs
Community Builder – Give $1,000 and we’ll mention you on the trailhead signs
Contact Jennifer McCourt at jennifer@discoveryroutes.ca to sponsor. You can also connect with any of our volunteer committee members to coordinate the sponsorship: Terry Parolin; Rod Bilz or Mike Ward. Or download this fillable PDF form with your sponsorship information: LET Sponsor and Donation Fillable Form
Donate to the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails
Discovery Routes is a registered charity #868861998 RR0001
Our mission is to provide support to local trail stewards who maintain our trail networks, providing a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, fostering a connection to nature , and promoting healthier, more active lifestyles. Donations made to Discovery Routes can be directed to the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails project and will be issued a charitable donation receipt. There are a few ways to donate. Fill in the Donation portion of the LET Sponsor and Donation Fillable Form OR
Donate Now through Canada Helps
For More Information
Project Contact:
Mike Ward, Trail Project Coordinator, projects@discoveryroutes.ca
