tct name change

Old name, new look

You may have noticed that things look a little different these days on our website, social media pages, and maybe even trail signs. As of June 1, 2021, the name of The Great Trail of Canada has changed back to its original name, and is once again known as the iconic Trans Canada Trail.

Learn more on the Trans Canada Trail website.

The Mariposa Creek bridge was recently renovated and to celebrate we created this virtual opening ceremony! Learn about the Mariposa Creek area and history, with remarks from our President, John Hagarty and Trail Advisor, Al MacPherson.

mariposa creek bridge updated

Thank you for your patience. We’re happy to announce that the Mariposa Creek Bridge has a brand new deck and is now open again for trail use!

mariposa creek bridge

The Mariposa Bridge on the KTCT will be closed for repairs from October 19th to October 31st. For an alternate route around the bridge using side roads, please check our map here.

The numbers are in from our trail use counter and we are excited to see a huge increase in trail use during 2020! As a result of COVID-19, we’ve all turned to outdoor activities to stay fit and busy while continuing to practice social distancing.

We’re so fortunately to have a beautiful trail system right in our own backyard to get out and enjoy! Stay safe trail users!

ktct trail use increase

Deck replacement work restrictions.

Due to deck replacement work, there will be restrictions to use of the Mariposa Creek Bridge starting at the end of September until the end of October. The bridge will still be usable, but we ask that dismount your bike and walk across the bridge. These restrictions are in place to keep trail users and workers safe while the repairs are made.

David Archibald was kind enough to share his video for “One Step at a Time”, a song inspired by the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail and dedicated to everyone involved in making this trail a reality which we can all enjoy. He is joined on the track by his daughter Renée, singing harmony.

Thank you David for this beautiful song and video! You can explore more of David’s music on his website davidarchibald.com

Kawartha Trans Canada Trail will be hosting our Annual General Meeting in the coming weeks. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Please join us to provide input on the future of the trail.


Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Annual General Meeting (AGM)

December 4th, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Fleming College, Lindsay Campus, Room 252

Open to the Public

doubes trestle bridge renovation workers

70% complete! Workers from McColl Construction are doing a great job. The bridge will be safe, durable and attractive once it is finished by the end of November.

doubes trestle bridge donation

Kawartha Trans Canada Trail Association (KTCTA) consultant, Al McPherson said, “If not for a combination of contributions received through donations, sponsorships, trail maintenance and enhancements would not be possible.” Contributors are integral to management of the Kawartha section of The Great Trail. Kawartha Lakes’ stretch of trail is 53.8 kilometeres and it is not municipally funded. Volunteer stewards of the trail rely on contributions for maintenance, enhancements, and promotion.

Trail improvements to the historic Doube’s Trestle Bridge will commence mid September and could take 2 months. The cost is in excess of $100,000. Worn wood decking is being replaced with environmentally friendly composite lumber to permit safer passage and provide a longer lifespan.  
Doube’s Trestle Bridge passes over the Buttermilk Valley, which is roughly situated east of Omemee and west of Peterborough. Originally constructed in the 1880s for the Midland Railway, it stretches approximately 572 feet across nine spans and stands about 70 feet high. It is one of Ontario’s great remaining railway attractions. The bridge offers trail users, residents and visitors alike, beautiful vistas of natural features and drumlins in the Buttermilk Valley.

John Hagarty, KTCTA Chairperson, said, “Trail safety and enjoyment are paramount to our stewardship role.” Bridge maintenance is being done with minimal disruption to trail users, but we rely on their co-operation to ensure the contractor’s crew can get the job done in a timely manner. Trail users are encouraged to follow cautionary signs and asked to give way to the crew prior to crossing the bridge during the construction period. “Our Board and volunteers have been instrumental in a range of ongoing projects along the trail, such as trimming brush, trail bed maintenance, and garbage removal. Improvements to bridges, drainage, and signage are also critical maintenance tasks. We have undertaken numerous enhancement projects too,” added Hagarty. Contributions from residents and businesses are absolutely essential.

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