News
Gull Lake's Kiaskus Trail gaining funds through 'selling' short segments
An interesting fundraiser is improving the walking path through Gull Lake and ensuring its maintenance for years to come.
Thanks to a grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Gull Lake was able to pave large sections of the Kiaskus Trail, a popular footpath for residents of all ages. Ten metre segments are now being ‘sold’ to raise funds for the path in continuing its development and maintenance.
Taylor Keenleyside, the project coordinator for the fundraiser describes the trail as appealing to the eye, and well taken care of.
"It started because we wanted to get people off the streets and actually give them a trail to walk along; it started as a little gravel trail,” stated Keenleyside. “We sold plaques every 10 meters, so you would ‘own’ that ten metres and then you get your name up on a big sign for everyone to see while they walk the path.”
Plenty of the path is still available to have dedicated areas for those who wish to support the project. The segments are selling for $150.00 each and are suggested as a symbolic gift or memorial for loved ones as well as a personal purchase.
“It's a fairly young community, so it's great for families to go along the walking trail, and for kids to not have to ride their bikes along the road or the sidewalk,” said Keenleyside. “We've heard a lot of elderly people in the community like to use it just for that safety factor of being off the road as well.”
A community-wide contest was held to name the trail, and the decided title, Kiaskus, is derived from the Cree word kiyaskos, which means ‘little gull’. The Kiaskus Trail is now posted on the popular hiking website AllTrails, which has all the information on the walkway. Those looking to purchase a segment of the trail are encouraged to contact the Gull Lake Recreation Board at (306) 672-4449.
Written by Alex Kozroski Sunday, Jul 14 2024, 4:55 AM
