2014 – 2016 Project Application Process

(Funding no longer available)

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

NTC EAP Signage Print Files:
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Square banner dimensions: PDF | EPS | AI

See 2009/2010 previous round of funding approved project applications »

Eligibility Guidelines

Guidelines for Completing Contribution Applications:
Guidelines PDF Document »

The NTC received a a further $10 million dollar investment from the Government of Canada in Budget 2014: 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.

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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 August 15, 2014. Please submit your application by email to the National Coordinator for the National Trails Coalition. Email addresses: .

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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.

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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 installation and upgrade;
  • Trail signage installation;
  • Trail surveying and tracking; and
  • Trail rehabilitation.

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Can my project be completed by
December 31, 2015?

This funding program applies only to the 2014 – 2016 fiscal years. As such, projects should be “shovel ready” and of a scope and size that can be completed within these fiscal years by the successful applicant.

Projects that have an overall timeline of more than the 2014 2016 timeframe may be partially eligible if a clearly identified phase of the overall project can be started and completed within the timelines of this funding program.

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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 engineering and environmental reviews, including environmental assessments and follow-up programs as defined in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 and the costs of remedial activities, mitigation measures and follow-up identified in any environmental assessment;
  • the costs of economic impact studies;
  • costs of purchasing and installing signage for trails, including regulatory, safety, directional, interpretive, and trailhead signage;
  • costs of Aboriginal consultation; and
  • other costs that are considered by NTC to be direct and necessary for the successful implementation of your project.

Eligible Expenditures can begin to accrue effective as of the signing date of a Contribution Agreement but must be incurred on or before the Project Completion Date.

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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.

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Who can I contact to obtain more information?

If you have further questions about the program, you may contact us directly by email at

Application guidelines »

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