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The SJAM Winter Trail: Help Make it Happen!
By:  Dave Adams   (2016/09/30)

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Dear Cross Country Skiers of the National Capital Region


I need your help.  I am leading up a project to turn the Sir John A. Macdonald (SJAM) Winter Trail from proof-of-concept to a fully serviced trail that I will be maintaining all winter long using dedicated grooming equipment that will be stored on site.

What is the SJAM Winter Trail?

Last year, a pilot by the NCC, Nakkertok Nordic and a community group proved that there is a high demand for a winter pathway. We groomed the pathway along the Sir John A MacDonald Parkway for two weekends, and despite little advertising, hundreds enjoyed the experience and the trail was a huge success among cross country skiers.




The good news is that we’re bringing the trail back with many improvements! Having this trail is good for the ski community at large. Whether you’re a university student without a car or a young eager athlete, professional looking to get more miles under your belt for the upcoming race weekend; consider the SJAM Winter trail your "Gatineaus in the city."  I will be grooming to Bayview LRT and Dominion stations, which are two major transit hubs.

Here's what you can expect . . . 


  • 16 km trail network that extends along 6 km of beautiful Ottawa River shoreline.

    • From: Canadian War Museum in the East.

    • To: Dominion Station in the West.

    • Along the way: Westboro Beach, Island Park, Champlain Park forest trails, Remic Park, Lemieux Island crossing, Prince of Wales train bridge.

  • All winter long: 3-4 grooming sessions a week from first snow to spring melt.

  • Professional standard: main trails will feature parallel machine-groomed classic ski tracks with firm-packed "corduroy" centre.

  • Side trails: Smaller trails will snake through scenic parks and forests, and connect the trail with side trails, access points, and transit.

  • FREE for the public to use! No permits required. Just strap on your skis and go!

I will be maintaining the trail regularly using the best equipment available.  I want this trail nice all the time for getting you to work, testing skis, or keeping your training requirements on schedule.  This trail is your trail.

SJAM 2016-17 - Help Make it Happen

And this is where I need your help.  The National Capital Commission (NCC) has given me permission to use the land along the river but they are expecting me to set up and manage a grooming program.  This is a community initiative and we need to do this together.   


For the good of the community, the kid down the street or visitors to our city, please consider making a donation and together let’s build a downtown urban ski trail.


  • You can DONATE ONLINE at this site.

  • You’ll find other ways to donate or get involved with the initiative here.


Please help spread the word!

Dave Adams

Winter Trail Manager and Head Groomer

trails@dovercourt.org

www.wintertrail.ca

@SJAMWinterTrail

https://www.facebook.com/SJAM.Winter.Trail


 

 
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