Executive Council
February 20, 2015

Providing a Winter Road Link for Isolated Labrador Communities

Winter Trail Operations Well Underway on Labrador Winter Trails

The Provincial Government, through the Labrador Transportation Grooming Subsidy (LTGS), provides a total of $351,000 each year to participating community groups to help maintain and improve winter snowmobile access between isolated communities and the nearest service centre during the winter season. The Labrador winter trail system covers more than 750 kilometres and connects communities in northern and southern Labrador to the Lake Melville region and to other communities along the coast of Labrador.

"Winter trail operations are now well underway and, like many Labradorians, I am hoping for favourable snow conditions this season. Maintaining and enhancing these trails is a key commitment of the Provincial Government under the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador and is accomplished in partnership with participating Inuit Community Governments, municipalities, local service districts, snowmobile clubs and development associations serving isolated communities."
- The Honourable Keith Russell, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

Since 2004, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $3.2 million under the LTGS to maintain the winter trail system. In addition to this funding, $1 million has been invested in various equipment and infrastructure to support the program.

"These trails provide an important link to and from isolated coastal communities and their nearest service centres and winter trail operations are ongoing on all trail sections. As people venture out on the trails, I encourage them to always keep safety top of mind."
- Minister Russell

Trail users are encouraged to observe the following practices to help ensure a pleasant and safe trail riding experience:

• Ensure snowmobiles are in good working order and always wear a helmet;
• Plan the trip and check trail and weather conditions before departing;
• Advise someone of planned departure and arrival times;
• Practice general snowmobile safety and bring emergency supplies;
• Watch for signs of fatigue;
• Stay hydrated; and
• Wear appropriate clothing.

QUICK FACTS

• Through the Labrador Transportation Grooming Subsidy (LTGS), the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provides $351,000 each year to participating community groups to help maintain and improve winter snowmobile access between isolated communities and the nearest service centre during the winter season.
• Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested more than $3.2 million for trail grooming under the LTGS in addition to $1 million for various equipment and infrastructure to support the program.
• Maintaining and enhancing the Labrador winter trail system is a key commitment of the Provincial Government under the Northern Strategic Plan for Labrador and is accomplished in partnership with participating Inuit Community Governments, municipalities, local service districts, snowmobile clubs and development associations serving isolated communities.

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Media contact:

Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs 709-729-1495, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca

2015 02 20                              12:55 p.m.