Trans Canada Trail seeks $55 million federal funding renewal before 2027 expiry The Trans Canada Trail is asking Ottawa to renew $55 million in federal funding set to expire March 31, 2027, warning that without it 11,000 km could become impassible by 2045. The Trans Canada Trail is calling on Ottawa to renew federal funding set to expire in 2027, with the next federal budget expected in November. The trail network spans more than 30,000 km across every province and territory, connecting Canada's Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic coasts. An estimated 29 million Canadians use the trail every year. It winds through wilderness regions, rural communities, small towns and major cities including Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. It is the longest multi-use trail system in the world.Trail director highlights national importanceTrans Canada Trail government affairs director Matt DeCourcey made the case on CTV's Your Morning on Tuesday. He said the trail has been built by successive generations of Canadians over 35 years and is now central to Canadian identity. Each section of the trail is managed by one of more than 650 local groups. The overall network is supported by the Trans Canada Trail registered charity.It receives funding from donors, provincial and municipal governments, and the federal government. In the 2022 federal budget, Ottawa committed $55 million over five years to maintain, enhance and expand the trail network. That funding came via Parks Canada. It is set to expire on March 31, 2027.The Trans Canada Trail is now seeking another $55-million, five-year commitment in the next federal budget, expected to be tabled in November. Ottawa has so far invested $145 million in the trail since 1992, when the network was founded. The network achieved coast-to-coast-to-coast connection in 2017 to mark the 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. DeCourcey said the federal government has been a key investor in building and sustaining the trail over almost 35 years.Funding loss risks trail disrepairHe said it is vitally important that Ottawa continue as a seed investor at the table. That would let the organization keep working with Canadians who have provided private donations, as well as corporate partners and philanthropic organizations. Without renewed government funding, a recent Trans Canada Trail report estimates 11,000 km of the trail could fall into disrepair and become impassible by 2045.That could mean a projected 78 million fewer trail visits and $2 billion in lost tourism spending per year. DeCourcey said the risk is largely in small centres, remote and wilderness communities that lack the local resources to keep the trail maintained, sustainable and accessible for future generations. DeCourcey described the group's conversations with Ottawa as constructive. The network is still awaiting a final funding decision from Parks Canada, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Trail charity urges final budget decisionHe said the trail keeps Canadians connected and adds economic vitality to communities across the country. He added that it connects Canadians to nature, which he called central to Canadian identity. DeCourcey said that when government invests in priorities such as resource development, new export opportunities and Canadian defence, it should not forget the trail, which he called part and parcel of Canadian identity. The charity is pushing for a decision as the November budget approaches.