Past Projects

TCT Stair Repair at Lake Laurentian

In late 2023 Conservation Sudbury connected with Rainbow Routes Association to review the stairs located next to the Nature Chalet at Lake Laurentian. After learning more about the erosion, and some accessibility concerns on the path, they agreed to apply for funding through Trans Canada Trails for support. 

In early 2024, the funding for the trail repairs was awarded. Final project planning was confirmed in April and starting in May, the stairway work began. New boards for erosion support were installed, and gravel was laid. The work continued thanks to the tireless help of volunteers, Conservation Sudbury & Rainbow Routes staff. To help sustain future erosion, an existing switchback trail next to the stairway was further developed and signage was installed to allow for biking trail users to safely ascend and descend next to the trail. In July and August benches were installed along the trail network to increase accessible use.

For more information on this project, please see our press release shared on November 8, 2024.

Four people standing on a trail in a forest, smiling, with a blue sign on a tree that reads "Trans Canada Trail." The group includes two men wearing high-visibility vests and two women in outdoor gear, all appearing to be participating in a trail maintenance or conservation project.
Wooden stairs leading up a trail surrounded by green trees and foliage, with signs on the right side of the trail.
A person wearing dark clothing and a cap working on a trail, clearing debris with a rake, surrounded by trees and lush green foliage in a forest setting.
A volunteer dressed in beige pants and a bright yellow safety vest with the word 'VOLUNTEER' on the back is operating a small red tracked utility vehicle filled with gravel along a forested trail. There are informational signs and stairs nearby.

Community Hiking in the City of Greater Sudbury

At Rainbow Routes Association, we love to see our community out on the trails. In 2024 we were awarded the funds to support an active lifestyle for seniors in our community to get active and moving on the trails. We are currently seeking support from individuals who want to be hike leaders, hike sweepers and be involved in our community engagement events.

If either of these sound like something you would be interested, and you would like to join in our upcoming training workshops, please reach out to us through our volunteer application, or by contacting Aajeel Joshi, our Volunteer Coordinator at Aajeel.Joshi@rainbowroutes.com. 

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Logo of Canada with a small Canadian flag and the text "Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program"

TCT Nelson Street Bridge

   Collaboration: City of Greater Sudbury

  •    Project Cost: $3 million

  •    Description: Replacing the existing pedestrian bridge(build in 1980) with a prefabricated structure to support the Paris-Notre Dame Bike-way.

  •    Timeline: May-August 2024

  • Features:

    • New prefabricated Waren Truss with a clear width of 3m. (1m wider than the existing bridge)

    • New asphalt and pavement markings

    • Lifespan of 100 years with minor rehabilitation

    • Galvanized steel for less maintenance

Note: People will have to detour to the Bridge of Nations (Paris Street Bridge) during the 4 month construction.

A view of a construction site with workers in orange safety vests and hats, a metal fence painted yellow, and trees with green leaves. There is also a sign with an arrow pointing to the right for the Lakes Waterfront Trail.
A woman is speaking at a podium on a newly constructed bridge, with several people and camera crews gathered around her. The bridge is outdoors, surrounded by leafless trees, and the sky is cloudy.
A construction site surrounded by a chain-link fence with yellow safety barriers, a red truck with graffiti, and a person wearing a reflective vest and white hard hat near the fence, beneath trees with overcast skies in the background.
View of a pedestrian bridge with metal rails and mesh panels, leading to a pathway with electric poles and trees in the background, under a cloudy sky.

OTF Grant Program

  • Project: To create and support new program on Trails.

  • Grant: Resilient Communities Fund, $48,400 awarded in 2022 by Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

  • Launch: August 2023

  • Completion: March 2024

  • Outcome:

    • Increased access to programs throughout the Rainbow Routes trail network

    • Expanded programming and new community partnerships

    • Initiated the Inclusive Trail Trekkers program and English Conversations On The Trails (ECOTT)
       

A group of six people standing next to a blue flag with green trees and a winding river, outside an indoor area with a mosaic tile floor and a ceiling with installed lights.