The Baudry Trails project in Ste. Agathe has received exciting news: they have been given a $30,000 grant by the 2022 Trails Manitoba Grant Program to help improve and enhance their trail system.
The grant is funded by the provincial government through an endowment fund with The Winnipeg Foundation. This year’s grants are part of a $10 million investment in trails.
“These projects will develop new multiuse trail parks, trail extensions, as well as continued enhancements and maintenance to trails throughout the province,” says Eric Dickson, president of Trails Manitoba.
Danielle Robert is a director of the Ste. Agathe Community Development Initiative (CDI) and head of a subcommittee that was formed in order to bring the Baudry Trails to fruition.
Robert says that when she heard about the trails grant, she immediately knew that it would be a good fit for the local project.
As part of her grant application, Robert pointed out that before the Baudry Trails there were no public walking trails in the Ste. Agathe area. She also mentioned that the trails were all-season.
“In the summer months, the trails can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to walk and hike, anyone who enjoys bird watching or wants to connect with nature,” she says. “In the winter months, they can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys cross-country skiing or snowshoeing activities.”
Robert adds that the trails are fairly untouched and home to a multitude of wildlife, including deer, birds, squirrels, and rabbits.
The CDI has applied for numerous grants and is fundraising for the Baudry Trails. Robert says that once she has received word on all these potential grants, her committee will begin prioritizing projects.
“The top priority is the structure, some form of gazebo or picnic shelter—something with some shade and picnic tables,” Robert explains.
The committee also has plans for interpretive signage, firepits, benches, and other features that will make the trails even more of a draw to locals and visitors alike.
The CDI is planning a community clean-up day for the Baudry Trails in September. There is still work to do to get the area back to its pristine state after the spring floods along the Red River.
The Baudry Trails is the brainchild of brothers Denis, Richard, Gilbert, and Alan Baudry. They have lived in Ste. Agathe for a long time and often wondered what to do with the 50 acres they own along the river.
They eventually decided to leave the land almost exactly like it was and allow their community to explore it the way their ancestors did.
Baudry Trails can be accessed from Robert Road on the east side of the Red River in Ste. Agathe. There is a parking lot and a welcome sign showing visitors where to begin their adventure.
“Manitobans love to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, and our government is proud to share these investments in new and enhanced trails in our province,” says Jeff Wharton, Minister of Climate and Parks. “We are excited to help provide new ways for Manitobans to connect with nature and explore our province.”
