Preserving a Legacy of Active Living in North Bay on the Laurentian Escarpment

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Antony Rota joined the trails community at the trailhead of the Laurentian Escarpment trails on November 12, 2024 to announce funding for a partnership between Discovery Routes and the North Bay Mountain Bike Association that will secure long-term use of the escarpment trails and develop them into a premier trails destination. A new committee will facilitate a unique partnership between the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, City of North Bay, public agencies, private property owners and trail users.

Federal Funding

Through the Federal Tourism Growth Program, Discovery Routes will receive $130,500 for trail network improvements considering the environmental integrity of existing trails, access points, signage, and mapping. A signature trail event in 2025 will celebrate a legacy of active living in North Bay through its 100^th anniversary and mark an officially sanctioned trail system.

A Legacy of Trail Use

The Laurentian Escarpment has a long history of local use by hikers, mountain bikers, downhill skiers, snowshoers and more recently, fat bikers. Many local trail users are not aware that the trails east of the Conservation Area exist on private or public lands where permission to be on these trails is not granted. The goal of the Laurentian Escarpment Trails Project is to preserve and protect a four-season network of sanctioned multi-use trails across the escarpment for now and future generations. Through partnership and active participation between local non-profits, private landowners and public agencies, an asset will be created not only for the community, but one that supports the local economy by attracting provincial and national events.

Public Engagement & Project Details

The project will be guided by public collaboration, ensuring an asset that meets the needs of all user groups and will stand out as a feature in the heart of North Bay. Community feedback will be essential to shaping a trail network that meets the needs and values of all users. Trail users and other interested residents are encouraged to find out more about the project at Escarpment Trails Project where they will find an online survey open until Dec 31, project contacts, scope of the project and more.