Over $30,000 raised in less than 30 days toward the $100K construction cost of the Calgary to Cochrane Trail.
COCHRANE, AB – Only 30 days into the campaign, (launched February 25 at MEC in Calgary) donations are pouring in as individuals, families, hiking clubs, community groups and businesses are all stepping up to make the Calgary to Cochrane Trail (C TO C Trail) a reality.
Within a month of the Calgary to Cochrane Trail (C to C Trail) $30,000 of the $100,000 Bearspaw Trail campaign goal has been raised. The funds raised are necessary for construction of the first phase of the project, Bearspaw Trail that will provide a key link to NW Calgary.
“We’re very excited by the momentum of the C to C Trail campaign so far,” states Susan de Caen, Executive Director of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF). “We knew that this project would get people involved from all walks of life. How can you resist being a part of Canadian history?”
De Caen states that donations as small as $5 are making a difference. A recent contribution of $5,000 was recently received from Watermark at Bearspaw.
With less than four months to go before construction is set to begin, public and corporate support is vital for the success of the project as the Foundation needs to raise $100,000 by July 1–Canada Day of this year (2015). If the fundraising target is not met, the trail could be delayed and committed grant monies could be lost. To reach that goal the Foundation needs to raise $25,000 a month.
“I’m confident that we can raise the needed $100,000 in the 99 days left.” says Tara McFadden, Development Officer for the GRPF. “There is a lot of public excitement for this project and donating to the C to C Trail is a great way to leave a legacy in your own backyard.”
Eric MacNaughton, a Calgary resident who happily donated $500 to the trail, agrees.
“This will be a world-class trail connection through the heart of the Calgary region,” MacNaughton says. “I donated because I want to be part of a community effort to create something that locals and visitors can enjoy for a long time to come.”
Donations at or above $50 will receive a charitable tax receipt. Donor names will be listed on the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation website (www.grpf.ca) and social media channels. Donations over $100 will receive permanent recognition along the C TO C TRAIL. Endowment and bequest contributions are also welcome.
The C to C Trail will be part of an expansive network of pathways to be constructed at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park by 2020. The $7.5M trail system will be part of the Trans Canada Trail system and will connect NW Calgary to Cochrane through Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.
Donation & Recognition Levels
- $1-$99 Listing on GRPF website + social media announcement
- $100 Listing on donor sign (Porcupine Panel)
- $500 Listing on donor sign (Badger Panel)
- $5,000 Listing on donor sign (Fox Panel)
- $25,000 Listing on donor sign (Osprey Panel)
- $50,000 Listing on kilometre sign (Kilometre Club)
Supporting the Calgary to Cochrane Trail (C TO C TRAIL), and particularly, Phase One (Bearspaw Trail) campaign, is easy and convenient. Donors are invited to visit www.CtoCTrail.ca to make an online contribution.
Donations can also be received by mail or in person at the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park: 255001 Glenbow Road, Cochrane, AB T4C 0B7. Call (403) 851-9053 or email ctoctrail@grpf.ca for more information.
For CtoC Trail campaign updates visit www.CtoCTrail.ca or follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/glenbowranchparkfoundation or on Twitter @GlenbowRanch.
About Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park
Bordering Calgary on the northwest corner of the city (Haskayne Park) and stretching 14 km along the Bow River to Cochrane, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is one of Alberta’s newest parks. Minutes away from Calgary and larger than Nose Hill Park, Glenbow Ranch protects more than 1,300 hectares of foothills parkland.
Visitors can enjoy scenic landscapes, explore the expansive trail system, or take part in GRPF’s public programs that offer a range of educational and recreational opportunities, including family programs and golf cart tours. The visitor centre is open throughout the summer and the park is open to day use visitors 365 days a year.
The park preserves and protects a natural and cultural heritage that spans thousands of years.
On-park research in being done to conserve and restore native grasslands, and the rich history of the area is evident in the tipi rings and the remains of the historic Glenbow town site.
Opened in 2011, Glenbow Ranch was established in 2006 by the Government of Alberta when it was acquired from the Harvie family. The family donated funds towards the development of the park and created the GRPF to partner with the Alberta government in the development and operation of the park. Thanks to this unique partnership, the park opened with nearly 30 km of trail, trail maps, interpretive signage, toilets, a railways crossing and visitor centre.
About Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail is one of the world’s longest networks of trails, developed and promoted by a non-profit registered charity. When completed, the Trail will stretch nearly 24,000 km from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans, linking Canadians in close to 1,000 communities.
Today, over 17,000 km of trail have been developed. Millions of Canadians and international visitors are using the trail to hike, cycle, ski, horseback ride, canoe and snowmobile. The Trans Canada Trail offers countless opportunities to explore Canada’s diverse landscapes and rich history.