Brandon Riverbank Inc. is pleased to be the outdoor space where people can gather for the enjoyment of exciting new winter recreation opportunities!

With generous funding from Travel Manitoba and the Brandon Area Community Foundation, Riverbank has secured snow grooming equipment that will allow for the creation of an exceptional quality, multi-purpose winter trail network.

The winter trail network will be 20-plus km in length and will utilize the Riverbank grounds as well as neighbouring properties both east and west. In partnership with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the City of Brandon and other landowners, the winter trail network will provide a seamless connected link that encompasses the natural beauty of the Assiniboine River corridor. Trails will be mostly multipurpose and will allow for enjoyment by walkers, fat bikers, snowshoers and classic cross-country skiers.

“It gives me great pleasure that Riverbank will be able to offer urban winter trails as yet another recreational opportunity for both residents of and visitors to our city,” said Dean Hammond, Executive Director of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Winter has traditionally been a slower time at Riverbank and we’re very happy to be able to fill a niche that will allow our guests to be able to enjoy Riverbank in a whole new way.”

"We'd like people from our own community of Brandon, as well as other communities, come to Brandon to use our new trails," adds Hammond. "But not just our trails!  The intent of these trails is not to bring competition to our very popular Brandon Hills trails or our Wheat City Golf Course trails, but this is just another layer of opportunity both for local people and for tourists to come out and use three very different, but very good winter trail networks. So, we're quite excited about this!"

“A winter trail network will open many recreation, tourism and economic development opportunities, both for Riverbank and our city,” said Terry Jaenen, President of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Our hope is that these trails are used and enjoyed by everyone, whether they be one or 100, from Brandon, or from far away.”

“Winter experiences are one of the greatest growth opportunities for Manitoba’s tourism industry”, said Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba. “We’re excited to see Brandon Riverbank and Brandon Tourism make the most of the Assiniboine River corridor by enhancing the winter activities available for residents and visitors alike.”

“Wintertime at the Brandon Riverbank is a beautiful venue where everyone can enjoy winter outdoor activities, said Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director of the Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF). BACF is very pleased that we are able to be part of the collaboration and the development of Riverbank’s winter trail network. Having this trail system within the city and so accessible, there is going to be a lot of fun this winter.”

As the snow comes Riverbank will begin transitioning its existing pathways into groomed winter trails. During this transition, Riverbank will ensure that at a minimum, trails remain walkable at all times. As more snow comes and when it’s safe to cross the Assiniboine River, Riverbank will begin expanding the trail network to full build-out. Online maps and wayfaring signage will be forthcoming to help users navigate the trails.

"The intent is that the trails are free to use, but for any trail system there is always a cost of grooming and maintaining those trails," shares Hammon. "So, any donation in that regard is much appreciated."

Please listen to more with Dean Hammond below!

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