The Benefits of Connecting Canadians

The Benefits of Connecting Canadians report highlights the economic, environmental and public health impacts of the Trans Canada Trail. Commissioned by Trans Canada Trail and conducted by Econsult Solutions, this pioneering study is the first of its scale in Canada.  

The report shows the Trans Canada Trail is a vital force in boosting Canada’s environment, economy, and the well-being of its residents and visitors. Data sources include national survey findings, trail use data and information from Statistics Canada. 

Through a comprehensive analysis a wide variety of benefits were identified, such as: 

• Estimated economic value of ecosystem benefits provided by the Trans Canada Trail on an annual basis: $82 million, including 

• $42M stormwater management 

• $3M soil formation and erosion control 

• $2M extreme weather protection 

• $1M invasive species control 

• 2.6 million adults are physically active due to the presence of the Trail resulting in $1.7 billion in avoided health care costs 

• 351,000 adults regularly use the Trail for mental health purposes resulting in $63 million in avoided mental healthcare costs 

• Trans Canada Trail users spend $13 billion annually on accommodation, meals, services and other goods at businesses near the Trail 

• 221,500 jobs are supported by Trans Canada Trail users’ spending
  
  

The report also features local case studies from across the country, demonstrating what these impacts and benefits look like for local trails: 

• Amisk Wacîw Mêskanaw/Beaver Hill Road (AB) 

• Galloping Goose Regional Trail (BC) 

• Great Lakes Waterfront Trail (ON) 

• Le P’tit Train du Nord (QC) 

• Martin Goodman Trail/Great Lakes Waterfront Trail (ON) 

• Newfoundland T’Railway (NL) 

• Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail (AB) 

• Rossburn Subdivision Trail (MB) 

• Rum Runners Trail (NS) 

• Véloroute des Grandes-Fourches (QC)