About Us

Vision

An inspiring trail network throughout Greater Sudbury that links communities and meets diverse outdoor recreation and healthy living needs.

Mission

Rainbow Routes Association is dedicated to Greater Sudbury's urban transformation towards becoming a healthier and more vibrant place to live. We advance and promote trails and non-motorized routes to provide citizens with active, healthy, and affordable recreation and transportation opportunities. We provide leadership, create partnerships, and engage the community to continuously improve our trail network and offer outstanding natural experiences.

Pillar 1 - Trail Infrastructure

Enhance and expand Greater Sudbury’s non-motorized trail network.
Support the development of a City Trail Master Plan
Provide leadership and expertise in the advancement and development of trails
Prioritize signature projects that provide route connectivity and have high community support.

Pillar 2 - Programming

Create, maintain, and expand RRA's trail-based programming.
Offer programming that meets diverse community needs and partner aligned objectives.
Develop and host community events and activities to engage participants and volunteers with trails, nature, and an active lifestyle.
Deliver high-quality publications and trail guides that educate users and support positive trail experiences.

Pillar 3 - Promotions and Communications

Promote RRA and community-based trails, routes, and activities, including the Rainbow Routes trail network, those of local partners, and The Great Trail.
Communicate the benefits of trails and their potential to enhance population health, active transportation, affordable recreation, tourism, environmental appreciation, and in fostering resilient communities.
Collaborate with experts and community partners to educate and promote good trail etiquette, outdoor activity, and our connection to nature.

Pillar 4 - Sustainability and Governance

Communicate our organization's value and positive impact, specifically our leveraging of funding, expertise and community.
Through responsible financial stewardship, produce sound and balanced budgets supported by grants, donations, fundraising, sponsorships, memberships, and other sources of revenue.
Proactively identify people, agencies, and partnerships that align with key organisational priorities to ensure succession and sustainability.

Organizational Structure

The Executive Director manages the organization’s operations and activities under the strategic direction of an elected board of directors. All must be passionate about active transportation and our connection to nature through trails.

Dedicated Community volunteers forming the 2024 Board of Directors are:

David Chezzi, President & Chair of the Board
Rob Klein, Vice President
Dawn Brown, Secretary
Nick Cassio, Treasurer
Steven Townend, Director
Peter Beckett, Director
Jim Little, Director
Chantal Crigger, Director
Grant Hagedorn, Director
Tanya Vandenburg, Director
Carol Craig, Director,
Robert (Bob) Miller, Director

Staff:

Rachel Mantas, Executive Director

Annual Reports

Rainbow Routes Association is committed to being accountable and transparent with donors, partners and our community. Annual reports highlight our accomplishments and continued committment to infrastructure development, active transportation promotion, community partnerships, and sustainable operations.

Policies

The association is governed by corporation by-laws and policies. A number of policies, specific to volunteer and staff management and not necessarily all inclusive, is provided below for public reference:

History

In addition to noted highlights and accomplishments, the association is a member of a number of City advisory panels and community groups and actively participate in numerous community initiatives that support active transportation and healthy living opportunities.

2022

Laurentian Great Hall Connector Upgrade (500m)
Installation and monitoring of six trail counters (most recording 1,000 trip counts weekly)
10 year celebration and official opening of the Junction Creek Waterway Park Fisher Wavy Section
6th Annual Camino (Lake Laurentian Challenge), July Community Hiking Series and return of the RRA Hike Club

2021

Advance new route and host 5th annual Sudbury Camino (300 registered participants)
Advance consultations, technical plans and/or funding for trail projects (Southview Greenbelt, Armstrong Street Connector, Voyageur Park Trails)
Official opening of the Big Nickel Trail.
Collaboration and grant facilitations for Bike Sudbury and the Sudbury Single Track Collective group.

2020

Guided Hiking events reach 1200 participants prior to placing on hold.
Advance website improvements to meet huge website analytic increases (people are looking for trail based activities and information)
Continue work on the Big Nickel Trail, as well as benches/signs for New Sudbury Trail & Kelly Lake Trail.
Finalize 2021-2025 Strategic Plan and revisit Membership Perks.

2019

Big Nickel Trail construction begins (Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant)
Year two of Active Trails Toolbox: Launch of Find Your Trail, Kids Booklet, RRA Trail Challenges with 700 trail outings.
Sudbury Camino and Guided Hiking programming: 15 hike leaders and over 250 walking/hiking events reaching 1700 unique participants
Junction Creek Trail at Regent Street Celebrations
Community Cycling Initiatives, Bike Exhanges & Rodeo's.
Creation of the RRA t-shirt and hoodie!

2018

Complete all works on New Sudbury Historical Trail
Kelly Lake Trail Repairs (500m new boardwalk plus infill)
Publication of Tales From The Trails: A collection of community hiking stories
Launch Active Trails Toolbox .
Continue with Hiking Opportunities (Fullmoon Bonfire Hike, Sudbury Camino, RRA Trail Challenges, Explore Sudbury Hikes)

2017

New Sudbury Trail - New 3.9km Multi-Use Trail in New Sudbury
Advancement of JCWP New Sudbury Connection and Trails Plan
Launch of Explore Sudbury - volunteer driven guided urban hiking
Events Launch: Sudbury Camino, Sudbury Celebrate By Bike

2016

2016-2020 Strategic Plan released
Copper Cliff Balsam multi-use path completed
Trails4Life program completion
Launched new website
Continuation of Hike Club, Jane's Walk, Commuter Challenge, Bike Valet

2015

TCT Lake Laurentian Trail
3rd edition trail map published
Trailhead signs repair
Installation of Kevin Chisholm Memorial Bench
Strategic Planning Retreat (2016-2020 direction)
Continuation of Trails4Life, Hike Club, Jane's Walk, Commuter Challenge, Bike Valet

2014

Cross St & Douglas St connector (part of TCT & JCWP)
On going TCT Lake Laurentian Conservation Area trail upgrades
Trails4Life program launch & Transfer of Sudbury Cycles
Take a Hike videos season 3
Continuation Hike Club, Jane's Walk, Commuter Challenge

2013

JCWP Fisher Wavy Trail (Kelly Lake to Martindale Road)
Chelmsford Path Paving
Elgin Greenway design development
Take a Hike videos season 2
Completion of Sudbury Cycles
Bike exchanges, bike safety rodeos, bike valet parking
Continuation of Hike Club, Jane's Walk, Commuter Challenge

2012

Riverside & St. Catherine's Street switchback
Robinson Trail Extension
Jean Tellier Trail
Refurbishment & Extension of Lily Creek Boardwalk
Sudbury Cycles: bike exchanges, valet parking, safety rodeos
Community work days
CAN-Bike instructors

2011

Launched Sudbury Cycles Project
TCT Concept Plan (Sudbury to North Bay)
Northern Life Community Builder's Award

2010

Ramsey Lake Path
2nd Edition Trail Map released
Launched new website
Sustainable Mobility Plan

2009

Robinson Lake Trail
Copper Cliff Trail - Bridge installation
Learn Through Trails program completion
RRA becomes a registered charity

2008

Hike Club is born
Copper CLiff Trail construction commentces
Published Sudbury History Hikes
Learning Through Trails (year 2)
Geocache Hide n' Seek

2007

Bethel Lake Trail
JCWP Sagebush to Maley Drive
Launch of Learning Through Trails
Published Self-Guided Trail Tours booklet
New trailhead implemented

2006

Garson Park Trail
Langdon Park Trail
Selkirk Trail Extension
1st Edition Trail Map