New pavilion and partnership plan in alfred

Prescott Russell Recreational Trail Unveils New Pavilion and Partnership Plan in Alfred Thanks to Ontario Government Grant.

Alfred, ON – On Tuesday, local MPP Stéphane Sarrazin met with representatives of the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail to celebrate the unveiling of a new pavilion, which was made possible in part thanks to a $150,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation. MPP Sarrazin and the Recreational Trail team also took the time to celebrate an additional $54,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant the group received to develop a new partnership plan.

"The infusion of Ontario Trillium Foundation funding enables us to enhance our service to Trail communities, extending a warm welcome to both locals and tourists at our Alfred Pavilion, ensuring their Trail experience is both safe and comfortable. The Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail, nestled within our riding, is a cherished asset indeed,” said Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell.

The $150,000 Capital grant, which was awarded in November 2022, allowed for the construction of a new Pavilion along the Prescott Russell Recreational Trail (Trail) for local residents and tourists to rest and take in all the sights and sounds. The Pavillion in Alfred will match the other five along the Trail with a covered gazebo, a bulletin board and a dry toilet.

In March 2023, the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail was also awarded a $54,200 Resilient Communities fund grant which allowed for the development of an extensive partnership plan and to implement new digital marketing and communications strategies. Thanks to their first ever partnership plan, the Trail is now ready to take on more partners. The Trail, acting as owner and operator of the 72-km multipurpose for over two years now, is looking forward to connecting with individuals and organizations in the communities it serves in the upcoming months.

“We’re very grateful for the OTF funding so we can better serve the communities along the Trail,” said Eric Collard, Executive Director for the Trail. “We’re now ready to welcome local residents and tourists at our Alfred Pavilion so they can enjoy the Trail in a safe and comfortable way.”

Among the properties available for partnership, there is the Adopt A Kilometre program (covering the bulk of the 72 km), the six pavilions along the Trail, as well as the Trail naming rights. Following the successful launch of new community programs and events in 2023, the Trail leadership is eager to bring even more local tourism attractions to the region in 2024.

The Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail is a safe and multifunctional trail that crosses the entire territory of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell, located in Eastern Ontario between

Ottawa and Montreal. With a distance of 72 km, the trail is primarily used in the winter for snowmobiling and in the summer for walking, running and cycling.

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.