New equipment will enhance recreational trails for residents and tourists to enjoy

NAUGHTON— The Ontario government is investing $225,581 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help the Walden Cross Country Ski Club acquire new trail grooming equipment and upgrade the garage where it is stored. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help build a stronger and more self-reliant Greater Sudbury by enhancing recreational infrastructure that will attract more visitors, grow the tourism sector and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors.

“By providing funding through the NOHFC for the new trail grooming equipment, our government is fueling Northern Ontario’s winter economy through enhanced tourism and recreation,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “For those who enjoy winter sports, Northern Ontario is a prime destination, that is why we are helping the Walden Cross Country Ski Club to deliver high-quality outdoor recreation which, in turn, is an investment in the region’s growing tourism sector.”

The new trail groomer will enhance the quality and reliability of the Walden Cross Country Ski Club trails by ensuring more efficient and effective trail maintenance, resulting in better trails for all users. The club operates approximately 30 kilometres of trails that are used for various activities throughout the year. During the winter season, these trails are groomed for classic and skate cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. The club hosts local and provincial races and events, successfully attracting hundreds of participants and tourists each year.

“The new groomer marks a significant milestone for Walden Cross Country Ski Club and the contribution from NOHFC was key in making it possible,” said Keith Cushnie, Head Groomer, Walden Cross Country Ski Club. “Despite challenging weather conditions, our volunteer grooming team has been able to maintain high quality trails for our members and the local ski community to enjoy. We regularly host school groups and local racers have enjoyed the trails and top-notch grooming during our Night Light and Woolly Hippo races, as well as the High School City Championships. We look forward to hosting the broader Ontario ski community for the upcoming Ontario Youth Championships in February 20 – 22.”

“For decades, the trails at Walden Cross Country Ski Club have showcased the best of Northern Ontario winters by bringing people together in nature,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By investing in these infrastructure enhancements through the NOHFC, the government is protecting the legacy of Ontario’s great outdoors, supporting local businesses, and helping Greater Sudbury remain a destination of choice for winter sports enthusiasts from across the province and beyond.”

The Ontario government is prioritizing investments through the NOHFC that protect northern industries and jobs, mitigate the impacts of U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions as well as secure new opportunities for the long-term prosperity of Northern Ontario. The renewed focus is boosting competitiveness and ensuring the North remains a leader in Ontario’s economy. This new direction is in addition to the province’s investment of an additional $30 million over three years, bringing the NOHFC’s annual budget to a total of $110 million. Together, these initiatives will benefit communities of all sizes, both rural and urban, including Indigenous communities.

Quick Facts

• In 2023, visitor spending in Northern Ontario is estimated to have supported 11,000 jobs based on $1.3 billion of domestic spending, contributing $900 million to Northern Ontario’s GDP.
• Over one-third of domestic tourist visits in Northern Ontario included participation in an outdoor or sports activity in 2023.
• Through its funding programs, the NOHFC offers support to public and private sector economic development projects across Northern Ontario.
• Since June 2018, the NOHFC has invested more than $1 billion in nearly 8,100 projects in Northern Ontario, leveraging more than $3 billion in investment and creating or sustaining over 12,500 jobs.

Additional Resources

• The NOHFC, Northern Development Offices and Small Business Enterprise Centres support northern communities, businesses and other stakeholders in identifying economic development opportunities and government funding programs.